Similar effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-poor plasma injections for chronic plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Background: There are conflicting reports regarding the therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus autologous whole-blood (platelet poor plasma, PPP) injections for plantar fasciitis. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a single ultrasound (US)-guided PRP versus PPP injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Materials and methods: 36 patients were recruited with clinical and sonographic evidence of chronic (>6 months) plantar fasciitis, refractory to analgesics and physical therapy in a double-blinded, randomized, prospective study. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups with a sealed envelope method. Group A included 18 patients who underwent a single US-guided PRP injection and group B included another 18 patients who underwent PPP injection with the same technique. Follow-up was set at 3 and 6 months; no patient was lost to follow-up. Pain, function and satisfaction were assessed using visual analogue scales, and occurrence of complications.

Results: All scores statistically significantly improved for both groups from baseline at the 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluation, without, however, any statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to pain, function and satisfaction scores. Complications were not observed.

Conclusions: A single US-guided PRP injection yields similar results with PPP injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Both treatments provide significant improvement at 3 and 6-month follow-up after the injection.

Keywords: Plantar fasciitis; Platelet-rich plasma; Ultrasound-guided injection.