Efficacy of platelet rich plasma injection in treatment of plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Background: Platelet rich plasma is a recently introduced therapy for treatment of chronic painful conditions in orthopaedics, it acts mainly by promoting healing process. PRP has an increased concentration of platelets which initiate tissue repair by releasing growth factors. Increased concentrations of autologous platelets yield high concentrations of growth factors, subsequently leading to intensified healing of soft tissue on a cellular level. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of platelet rich plasma injection in treatment of plantar fasciitis. Methods: This study was conducted on the patients coming to orthopaedic OPD at MGM medical college and hospital, kamothe, Navi Mumbai. Total of 40 planter fasciitis cases were taken in this study. Out these 40 patients 23 were Male and 17 were female. The mean age 45.85 (range 25-75). Patients were followed up for 3 months with regular interval and at each visit vas score was evaluated and noted.Total duration of study was 3 months from October 2016 to December 2016. Results: The mean pre injection vas score was 7.15 (Male – 7.13, Female – 6.70). The mean vas score at time of follow up after one week was 6.20 (Male – 6.22 Female – 6.18). The mean vas score at time of follow up after 6 week was 5.62 (Male – 5.66 Female – 5.70).  The mean vas score at time of follow up after 3 months was 3.20 (Male – 3.13 Female – 3.29). Conclusions: PRP in plantar fasciitis shows promising short term results providing patients with gradual sustained pain relief, improving daily function and lifestyle activity level. However long term results needs to be evaluated.