Comparison of Autologous Blood and Steroid Injection in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of autologous blood injection and steroid injection in patient with planter fasciitis.

Study Design: Randomized Controlled trial study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Orthopedics department of Trauma unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar for a period of 9 months from July, 2012 to March, 2013.

Materials and Methods: 43 patients with Planter Fasciitis of more than 6 weeks duration with moderate to severe pain were consecutively allocated in each Group A (autologous blood) and B (steroid injection). Patients were assessed at 6 weeks follow up for effectiveness in terms of improvement in at least one grade of pain on Visual Analogue Scale. Data was analyzed with SPSS 10.0 & presented in from of tables and graphs.

Result: There were 22 (51.2%) & 18 (41.9%) males and 21 (48.8%) &25 (58.1%) females in Groups A and B respectively (P=0.517). Effectiveness was in 25 (58.10%) and 31 (72.10%) in group A and B respectively (P=0.429). Mean age in group A and B were 37.37 years± 7.77 SD and 38.93 years± 6.80 SD respectively (P=0.396). Effectiveness according to age (P=0.410), gender (P=0.417), baseline grade of pain (P=10.542) and duration of symptoms (P=0.757) were insignificant.

Conclusion: Autologous blood injections are not more effective than steroid injections in patients with planter fasciitis.