Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Comparison to Steroid for the Management of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

ABSTRACT

Background: Planter fasciitis is an injury of unknown origin in more than 80% cases. It affects quality of life as well as daily activity of the patients. Various surgical procedures, autologous blood and steroid injection also have been applied without constant success. Platelets rich plasma have been found effective in various orthopedically disorders like osteoarthritis, tennis elbow etc. That is why the present study was designed to compare the efficacy of platelets rich plasma injections and steroidal injections for the treatment of planter fasciitis. Methods: The present interventional study was conducted fromJuly 2016 to June 2018. Study population was divided into groups. Group I included patients (n=40) of a single ultra sound guided platelets rich plasma injection whereas, group II contained patients (n=40) with a single ultra sound guided depomedrol 40 mg injection. Scores of VAS and AOFAS were recorded at the initial level and follow ups after the injections. Follow up examinations were done at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Results: There was a significant improvement in mean VAS scores of platelet rich plasma group patients (1.8) compare to corticosteroid injection group patients (3.4) after one year of the treatment. However, results showed that steroids failed to show long term decrease in VAS score (p<0.05). Mean AOFAS was significantly increased (64.4) in the steroid group at 6wks as in comparison of platelet rich plasma group (52.2). Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed that improvement in steroid group was faster but benefits were lost in longer run. In contrast, platelets rich plasma was more effective in sustaining the long term beneficial effects.