Sonoelastography in the Evaluation of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: 3-Month Follow-Up After Collagen Injection. Issue 4 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Minchul; Choi, Yun Sun; You, Myung-Won; Kim, Jin Su; Young, Ki Won
• Is Part Of: Ultrasound quarterly. Volume 32:Issue 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: sonoelastography -- plantar fasciitis -- collagen injection; Diagnostic ultrasonic imaging -- Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-8771

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound elastography can demonstrate the outcome of the treatment in comparison with gray-scale imaging. Methods: Sixteen patients (mean age, 46.9 years) with plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Individuals graded their heel pain on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and underwent gray-scale ultrasonography and sonoelastography. Collagen was injected in the heels. Fascial thickness and hypoechogenicity, perifascial edema, and plantar fascial elasticity were evaluated. Follow-up sonoelastography and VAS grading were done 3 months after the injection. Statistical analyses were performed by the paired t test and the Fisher exact test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean plantar fascial thickness showed insignificant decrease on follow-up (from 4.30 [1.37] to 4.23 [1.15] mm, P = 0.662). Fascial hypoechogenicity and perifascial edema did not change significantly after treatment. The mean strain ratio of the plantar fascia was significantly increased (from 0.71 [0.24] to 1.66 [0.72], P = 0.001). Softening of the plantar fascia decreased significantly after injection (from 12 to 3 ft, P = 0.004). Twelve (75%) of 16 patients showed significant VAS improvement at the follow-up. Conclusions: Sonoelastography revealed a hardening of the plantar fascia after collagen injection treatment and could aid in monitoring the improvement of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, in cases where gray-scale imaging is inconclusive.