Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Injection of Local Ozone or Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid in Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

ABSTRAC. Background : Plantar fasciitis or recently called plantar fasciopathy, generally observed with heel spurs because of the deposition of calcium, although the definite pathology is still unknown. Ultrasound-guided injection of conventional corticosteroids was the primary treatment modality, with other emerging substances (e.g. Ozone or Platelet Rich Plasma PRP). Aim of the study: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided injection of local Ozone or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) versus conventional corticosteroid in the management of plantar fasciitis. Patient and methods: this a randomized Prospective comparative study has done Al-Azhar university hospitals (Al-Hussein and Sayed Galal), where fifty-one patients have been diagnosed to have plantar fasciitis were included and allocated into one of three groups (17 patients in each group) to receive an ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid (control group), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or Ozone O2-O3. Clinical evaluation and ultrasonographic measurement of the plantar fascia thickness was done before, at one, three and six months next to the injection. Primary outcome included: pain score using the visual analogue score (VAS). While secondary outcomes were plantar fascia thickness and foot quality health status. Results: There was a highly significant decrease in VAS score and plantar fascia thickness, and an increase in foot pain domain of the foot health status (FHSQ) score in corticosteroid and Ozone groups (p < 0.01 respectively) in one month. Regarding 3-month results, there was a highly significant decrease in VAS score plantar fascia thickness, and an increase in FHSQ score in the corticosteroid group (p < 0.01 respectively). Regarding long-term 6-month results, there was a highly significant decrease in VAS score, plantar fascia thickness, and an increase in FHSQ score in the PRP group (p < 0.01 respectively). Conclusion: Corticosteroid and Ozone injections were effective at short-term assessment, but PRP was more valuable at long-term assessment regarding pain management in plantar fasciitis patients.