DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Platelets-Rich-Plasma therapy against Steroid therapy in the treatment of Plantar fasciitis.

Methodology

Quasi-experimental study conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January to June 2021. 61 participants with plantar fasciitis who failed conservative therapy were divided into two groups: 31 received steroid injections (40 mg methylprednisolone and 2 mL prilocaine) and 30 received PRP injections (3 mL PRP after 2 mL prilocaine). Outcomes were evaluated using the AOFAS and VAS scoring systems at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection. Statistical analyses were performed to compare means.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Identify Participants with Plantar Fasciitis unresponsive to conservative therapy"] --> B["Divide into two groups"];
    B --> C["Steroid Injection Group n=31"];
    B --> D["PRP Injection Group n=30"];
    C --> E["Administer Steroid Injection"];
    D --> F["Administer PRP Injection"];
    E --> G["Record AOFAS & VAS scores at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months"];
    F --> G;
    G --> H["Perform Statistical Analysis"];
    H --> I["Compare outcomes between groups"];
    I --> J["Draw Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that both steroid and PRP injections are equally beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis, with no discernible difference in outcomes. While steroids offer short-term relief, PRP, enriched with growth factors, may stimulate tissue repair. Limitations include a small sample size, lack of blinding, and the method of PRP application.

Key Findings

Both steroid and PRP injections significantly improved VAS and AOFAS scores in both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in improvement between the two groups for these factors at any follow-up point.

Conclusion

Both steroid and PRP injections are equally efficacious strategies for alleviating pain and optimizing functional outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis. Further randomized, multicenter trials are needed for a clearer understanding of optimal outcomes.

Fact Check

1. Study Period: The study was conducted from January to June 2021. (Confirmed in text)
2. Participant Numbers: 61 participants were included in the final analysis, with 31 in the steroid group and 30 in the PRP group. (Confirmed in text)
3. Outcome Measures: AOFAS and VAS scoring systems were used to evaluate outcomes. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map