Platelet-rich plasma has better mid-term clinical results than traditional steroid injection for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Recently, local platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has been gradually used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). However, compared with traditional steroid injection, the clinical results of local PRP injection for PF patients remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to focus on two questions as follows: (1) is PRP more effective than steroid to relieve pain in PF patients? (2) is PRP more effective than steroid to improve the foot and ankle function of PF patients?

HYPOTHESIS

The PRP could be more effective to relieve pain and improve the foot and ankle function in PF patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We systematically searched electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) from inception to October 20, 2019. The data of clinical results, including visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Finally, twelve randomized controlled trials (RCT), involving 653 PF patients, were enrolled. All enrolled trials were considered to be of high quality. The results showed that the VAS of the PRP group was significantly lower than that of the steroid group at 6-month (p=0.02), 1-year (p=0.02), and 1.5-year (p<0.00001) follow-up. The AOFAS scores of the PRP group were significantly higher than that of the steroid group at 1-year (p=0.005) follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Compared to local steroid injection, local autologous PRP injection is more effective in relieving pain and improving the foot and ankle function at mid-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; Systematic review and Meta-analysis.