PRP vs Steroid for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: Retrospective Cohort
Bucak OF · Foot & Ankle International (2025)
DOI: 10.1177/10711007251346784This retrospective cohort compared ultrasound-guided PRP versus corticosteroid in 152 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. While PRP showed statistically better VAS and FFI scores at 6 months, the study introduced an important clinical nuance by analyzing whether the differences met the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) threshold. VAS improvement was statistically significant but below MCID, while FFI improvement exceeded MCID.
Clinical Relevance
Highlights that statistically significant PRP results do not always translate to clinically meaningful improvements. Clinicians should emphasize functional outcomes (which show real patient benefit) rather than focusing solely on pain scores when counseling patients.
Key Takeaways
- PRP statistically superior for both VAS and FFI at 6 months
- VAS difference (0.81 points) did NOT meet MCID threshold (patients may not perceive the pain difference)
- FFI difference (7.5 points) DID exceed MCID (patients notice the functional improvement)
- Introduces the critical distinction between statistical and clinical significance
- Ultrasound-guided injection used in both groups
Key Findings
PRP VAS lower (1.98 vs 2.79, p<0.001) but below MCID. FFI superior (22.3 vs 29.8, p<0.001), exceeding MCID.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Retrospective Cohort
Condition
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Sample Size
152 patients
Follow-up
6 months
Control Group
Corticosteroid
Primary Outcome
VAS, FFI
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)
Guidance Method
Ultrasound-guided