Effectiveness of extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) vs methylprednisolone injections in plantar fasciitis

IntroductionIn Plantar Fasciitis, the main concern of the patients is the pain that disturbs their day to day activities. Different modalities of treatments are being used for its pain management. This study seeks to investigate and compare decrease in level of pain following treatment with Methylprednisolone injections (DMP) Vs Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in plantar fasciitis.MethodsThis prospective comparative non randomized study was conducted in 60 patients of any age presenting with Plantar Fasciitis at B&B Hospital, Kathmandu. Patients were divided into 2 groups (30 each) based on patients preference. Methylprednisolone injection was given to one group and another group received ESWT. Follow up of both groups were carried out at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and the outcome was measured with Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis wasdone using SPSS software, version 13. Chi-square and Independent t-test were applied to look for significant variations in outcome.ResultsFollow-up at 6 weeks revealed 26 (86.7%) patients attaining VAS < 5 in ESWT group in comparison to 16 (53.3%) patients of DMP group (p = 0.005). At the end of 6 months, 5 patients in DPM group still had significant pain (VAS ≥ 5) compared to 2 patients in ESWT group (p = 0.02). However 11 patients of DMP group and 23 of ESWT group received single episode of treatment only and had persistent symptomatic pain relief (VAS < 5) during all follow ups at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months (p = 0.004).ConclusionsPlantar fasciitis was more prevalent in overweight population and females. Significant improvement in pain was observed with both ESWT and DMP Injections. However, ESWT was found to be more effective than DMP Injections for treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the ultrasonographic appearance of chronically painful, proximal plantar fasciitis.Materials and methods Twenty-two patients with a unilateral proximal plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled after unsuccessful conservative treatment lasting 6 months. The contralateral plantar fascia was used as the control. ESWT (3×3000 shock waves/session of 0.2 mJ/mm²) was performed at weekly intervals. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured ultrasonographically about 2 cm distal of the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Pain estimation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the comfortable walking time were recorded. No local anaesthesia was applied. Follow-up was done at 6, 12 and 24 weeks.Results Before ESWT, the plantar fasciitis side was ultrasonographically significantly thicker than the control side (p<0.05), whereas 6 months after ESWT, the thickness of the fascia was no longer significantly different. The decrease in thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significant (p<0.05). Pain during activities of daily living decreased by 79% according to the VAS, and the comfortable walking time increased, both significantly (p<0.01). In patients with little pain (VAS<30), the thickness of the plantar fasciitis side was significantly less (p<0.01) compared with patients who still suffered more pain (VAS>30).Conclusion After ESWT, the thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased, pain and walking time improved (all significantly).     

Dextrose prolotherapy versus radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomized,controlled clinical trial

In the recent years, prolotherapy is increasingly being used in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. However, few studies have investigated its effectiveness in plantar fasciitis (PF). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of chronic PF. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 59 patients with chronic PF. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups receiving three sessions of radial ESWT (29 patients) vs. two sessions of ultrasound-guided intrafascial 2 cc dextrose 20% injection (30 patients). The following outcome measures were assessed before and then six weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments: pain intensity by visual analog scale (VAS), daily life and exercise activities by Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the plantar fascia thickness by ultrasonographic imaging. The VAS and FAAM scales showed significant improvements of pain and function in both study groups 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments. A significant reduction was noted for plantar fascia thickness at these intervals (all p < .05). The inter-group comparison revealed that except for the FAAM-sport subscale which favored ESWT, the interaction effects of group and time were not significant for other outcome measures. Dextrose prolotherapy has comparable efficacy to radial ESWT in reducing pain, daily-life functional limitation, and plantar fascia thickness in patients with PF. No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.Level of evidenceLevel I, randomized controlled trial.     

Plantar fasciitis

INTRODUCTION

In this article we look at the aetiology of plantar fasciitis, the other common differentials for heel pain and the evidence available to support each of the major management options. We also review the literature and discuss the condition.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE®. The following keywords were used, singly or in combination: ‘plantar fasciitis’, ‘plantar heel pain’, ‘heel spur’. To maximise the search, backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also undertaken.

FINDINGS

Plantar fasciitis is a common and often disabling condition. Because the natural history of plantar fasciitis is not understood, it is difficult to distinguish between those patients who recover spontaneously and those who respond to formal treatment. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is effective in the small proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative measures. New techniques such as endoscopic plantar release and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may have a role but the limited availability of equipment and skills means that most patients will continue to be treated by more traditional techniques.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of chronic plantar fasciitis before and after extracorporeal shock wave therapy

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to examine the relationships between treatment outcome and changes in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings after extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis.MethodsThe subjects were 23 feet of 23 patients of refractory plantar fasciitis. The mean age was 53.7 years. The thickness of the plantar fascia (PF) and findings of a high-signal intensity area (HSIA) inside the PF, edema around the PF, and bone marrow edema (BME) of the calcaneus were investigated on MR images. The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle-hindfoot scale and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used. Correlations between an improvement in symptoms and one in the MRI findings were analyzed.ResultsThe mean thickness of the PF was 4.4 ± 1.6 mm before ESWT and 4.6 ± 1.8 mm six months after ESWT. After ESWT, there was a decrease in the numbers of feet showing HSIA inside the PF from 15 to 6, in edema around the PF from 16 to 2, and in BME of the calcaneus from 11 to 4. Clinical outcomes improved with ESWT from 70.3 ± 5.5 to 88.6 ± 9.1 points (JSSF), 74.1 ± 25.3 to 28.5 ± 24.4 points (VAS), respectively. Improvements in symptoms according to the JSSF and VAS scores and improvement in edema around the PF on MR images showed a significant correlation.ConclusionsEdema around the PF improved significantly in association with an improvement in symptoms after ESWT.     

Comparison of low level laser therapy and extracorporeal shock wave in treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) ver-sus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis (CLE).MethodsIn this prospective study, 52 patients (24 males, 28 females; mean age=48 years; age range=30–70 years) with a diagnosis of CLE were included and randomized into two groups (26 in each group): ESWT group (14 males, 12 females; mean age=48±10 years) or LLLT group (10 males, 16 females; mean age=48±11 years). ESWT was applied for 5 weeks with one session per week, while LLLT was applied with 15 sessions on consecutive days. All patients were evaluated using Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Patient-Related Lateral Epicondy-litis Evaluation (PRTEE), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) before and after the treatments.ResultsIn the comparison of baseline data between treatment groups, significant differences were observed only in SF-Physical functioning and SF-Energy/fatigue scores (p=0.035 and p=0.038, re-spectively), which were 77.1±17.2 and 56.3±17.2 in ESWT group and 66.5±18.0 and 44.8±21.5 in LLLT group, respectively. In the comparison of post-treatment data between groups, there were sig-nificant differences in all scores (p<0.05) except two subscales of SF-36, which were SF-role limita-tions due to emotional problems (p=0.092) and physical health (p=0.147), respectively. The other subscales of SF-36, PRTEE and DASH scores obtained after the treatments were better in ESWT group than in LLLT group. The comparison of pre-and post-treatment scores in each group revealed significant improvements in all scores (p<0.05), except SF-36 subscales, including energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health scores (p>0.05).ConclusionEvidence from this study revealed that although both treatment modalities were effective in the treatment of CLE, ESWT seemed to more effective in pain relief and functional recovery than LLLT.Level of EvidenceLevel II, Therapeutic study     

Investigation of the relationship between the thickness of the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament and plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundAlthough patients with plantar fasciitis show spring ligament laxity, the thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis based on an ultrasound imaging system (US).MethodsThirty feet of 30 patients (painful group) diagnosed with plantar fasciitis at our hospital and thirty feet of 30 healthy volunteers (healthy group) without plantar pain were investigated. The thicknesses of both the spring ligament and plantar fascia were assessed via a US statistical comparison of the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness between the painful and healthy groups. This was performed using Welch’s t-test, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01. In addition, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness in the two groups, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01.ResultsThe spring ligament thickness in the painful group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The thickness of the plantar fascia in the painful group was significantly greater than that in the healthy group (p = 0.03). In addition, the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness was moderately negative (r = −0.42, p = 0.001). The thicker the plantar fascia in the subjects, the thinner was the spring ligament.ConclusionsThe thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased. The thinning of the spring ligament was negatively correlated with the thickening of the plantar fascia as per the US evaluation. Based on the spring ligament thinning determined via US evaluation, interventions such as insoles from an early stage could prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis.     

Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been widely used for pain relief and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to assess ESWT for knee osteoarthritis (OA) over 12 wk by comparison with placebo treatment.

Materials and methods

We randomized 70 patients to receive placebo (n = 36) or ESWT (n = 34). For ESWT, patients received 4000 pulses of shockwave at 0.25 mJ/mm² weekly for 4 wk. In the placebo group, patients received shockwave at 0 mJ/mm² in the same area. The effect on OA was assessed by pain on a visual analog scale and disability on the Lequesne index, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, and patient perception of the clinical severity of OA. Evaluation was performed at baseline and after 1, 4, and 12 wk.

Results

We found no adverse events during and after ESWT. ESWT was more effective than placebo in reducing pain on movement at each period (P < 0.01). The mean visual analog scale score with ESWT was 3.83 at 12 wk versus 7.56 at baseline (P < 0.01). The Lequesne index and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score were reduced with ESWT. Moreover, patient perception of clinical severity of OA was significantly greater with ESWT than that with placebo (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

ESWT is effective in reducing pain and improving knee function, with better results than placebo during the 12-wk treatment. However, further pilot studies are needed to determine whether ESWT should be recommended at an early or later stage of OA or combined with conventional therapies.     

布洛芬联合体外冲击波治疗膝骨关节炎的随机对照研究

目的探讨布洛芬缓释胶囊联合体外冲击波对膝关节骨关节炎的治疗效应。 方法2018年9月至2019年9月,从重庆市人民医院纳入膝关节骨关节炎患者作为前瞻性随机对照临床研究。纳入标准：初治单侧膝关节骨关节炎;依从性良好者。排除标准：既往有其他膝关节疾患;膝关节强(僵)直;Kellgren-Lawrence分级为Ⅳ级的患者;对非甾体类抗炎药(NSAIDs)类药物禁忌或过敏的患者;合并其他内科系统疾病等。共198例患者通过随机数字表法分别分入联合组、布洛芬组、冲击波组。联合组给予布洛芬缓释胶囊联合体外冲击波治疗;布洛芬组给予单纯布洛芬缓释胶囊治疗;冲击波组给予单纯体外冲击波治疗,疗程5周。于治疗开始后8周时采用膝关节损伤和骨关节炎评分(KOOS)、加拿大西安大略和麦克玛斯特大学骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)及SF-12生活质量评分对三组患者进行评价,并记录三组患者并发症发生率。结果用单因素方差分析、LSD-t检验、配对t检验和卡方检验进行分析。 结果布洛芬缓释胶囊联合体外冲击波治疗可显著改善骨关节炎患者膝关节KOOS、WOMAC及SF-12生活质量评分。联合组患者的疼痛(F＝174.5,P<0.001)、症状(F＝12.991,P<0.001)及功能评分(F＝6.009,P＝0.003)等显著改善,效应较单纯给予布洛芬缓释胶囊或体外冲击波治疗更佳。同时,并不明显增加治疗相关并发症的发生率(χ²＝2.479,P>0.05)。 结论布洛芬缓释胶囊联合体外冲击波对骨关节炎具有良好的治疗效应,效果优于单用布洛芬缓释胶囊或冲击波治疗。     

发散型体外冲击波治疗青少年游泳运动员冈上肌肌腱病的前瞻对照研究

目的评价发散型体外冲击波应用于青少年游泳运动员冈上肌肌腱病的疗效及安全性。 方法采用前瞻性随机对照研究方法,将16名经临床及核磁共振确诊为肩袖冈上肌肌腱病并排除冈上肌撕裂的青少年游泳运动员随机分配到对照组及发散型体外冲击波治疗组(rESWT组),对照组7例采用冰敷、按摩、中频治疗仪治疗,rESWT组9例采用冰敷、发散型体外冲击波治疗。在治疗前及随访期内评估运动员可视化疼痛评分(VAS),简明肩关节测试评分(SST),Constant评分,治疗后复查肩关节MRI评价冈上肌肌腱的肌腱病分级。采用独立样本t检验进行组间对照,P< 0.05为差异具有统计学意义。 结果rESWT组治疗后6周及12周时VAS评分显著低于对照组(6周：t＝3.757, P<0.01;12周：t ＝3.982, P<0.01)。与治疗前相比,治疗后MRI复查未见冈上肌肌腱信号改变。未发生冲击波治疗相关并发症。 结论发散型体外冲击波可以在短期内有效改善青少年游泳运动员冈上肌肌腱病的肩痛症状,远期效果尚不明确。     

Low dose radiotherapy for plantar fasciitis. Treatment outcome of 171 patients

BackgroundAlthough the effectiveness of low-dose radiotherapy for chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases has been documented in previous studies, patient-reported clinical outcomes are rarely available.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose radiotherapy on patients with painful plantar fasciitis.MethodFrom 2002 to 2008, 200 patients older than 65 years of age with painful plantar fasciitis were treated in our hospital. Records from 171 of these patients were available for analysis. All patients were treated with an identical dose of 3 Gy using identical equipment and techniques. Response was evaluated with patient-reported questionnaires and clinical visits.ResultsMinimum-term follow-up was 18 months, with mean follow-up at 54 months. Three months after receiving low-dose radiotherapy, 67.3% of patients had no or mild pain, and 57.9% had no or discrete mobility restriction. At a mean of 54 months, 61.4% of patients had no or mild pain and 64.9% of patients had no or discrete mobility restriction; 60.8% of patients reported improved quality of life.ConclusionLow-dose radiotherapy is effective in most patients with painful plantar fasciitis. Due to minimal side effects and low costs, it represents an excellent treatment option compared to conventional therapies or surgery.     

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed at estimating the extent to which a combination therapy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with usual care (exercise and orthotic support) improve functional ability in the patient with plantar fasciitis when compared to usual care alone.MethodsParticipants with plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated into two groups: ESWT (n = 23), and control (n = 21). All participants received home exercise program with orthotic support. In addition, ESWT group received 2000 shock waves with 0.02 mJ/mm² for three sessions. Functional outcomes were measured by function subscale of American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS-F) score and 12 minutes walking test including walking speed, cadence. The scores were recorded at baseline, third week and third month after the treatment. Analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and an intention to treat approach using multiple imputations.ResultsResults showed that there was a significant improvement in AOFAS-F total score and walking speed over three months in both groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.04 respectively); improvements in AOFAS-F were particularly in activity limitation (p = 0.001), walking distance (p = 0.02) and walking surface (p = 0.02). Groups were comparable with each other for both walking speed and AOFAS-F in any assessment time (p > 0.05). However, groups performed differently in cadence where there was an increase in cadence in ESWT group whereas a decline in control at the third month (p = 0.07).ConclusionThe results revealed that ESWT did not have an additive benefit over usual care to improve foot function and walking performance in patient with plantar fasciitis over three months post-treatment.     

Gastrocnemius recession for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in overweight and obese patients

Background

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot pathology that is typically treated non-operatively. However, a minority of patients fail non-operative management, develop chronic symptoms, and request a surgical option. Gastrocnemius recession has recently been shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence that gastrocnemius recession is safe and effective in the subset of chronic plantar fasciitis patients who are overweight and obese.

低能级体外冲击波碎石治疗肾鹿角形结石

目的探讨低能级体外冲击波碎石(extracorporeal shock wave lithortripsy,ESWL)治疗肾鹿角形结石的效果. 方法对18例鹿角形结石进行体外冲击波治疗.碎石能级1～3级,冲击次数1 800～3 000次,脉冲间隔60 ～80次/min,工作电压10～12.75 kV. 若结石直径>3 cm,在碎石前预先插入双J管,防止石街形成.对直径>4 mm的残余结石,再次行ESWL,直至结石完全消失. 结果所有病人耐受良好,治疗结束能自行回家.除1例碎石失败外,余17例经ESWL治疗成功.治疗3～9次,至完全排除结石.66例次(66/77,85.7%)术后有1～2次肉眼血尿.5例出现石街,长1.9～5.2 cm,4例石街经再次碎石成功,1例输尿管镜取石. 结论低能级ESWL治疗肾鹿角形结石是一种安全、有效的方法.     

The treatment of intractable plantar fasciitis with platelet-rich plasma injection

BackgroundWhilst most cases of plantar fasciitis can be settled with existing conservative treatment, a few intractable cases can be difficult to resolve. New biologic treatments have been proposed for a variety of soft tissue problems.ObjectiveEvaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in chronic cases of plantar fasciitis.Patients and methodsPatients with plantar fasciitis not responded to a minimum of 1 year standard conservative management were offered PRP therapy. Injections were performed in theatre as a day case. Roles–Maudsley (RM) scores, Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), AOFAS scores and ‘would have injection again’ were collated pre-operatively, three and six months.ResultsProspective data was collected of 50 heels (44 patients). At six month review, RM score improved from mean 4 to 2 (p < 0.001), VAS improved from 7.7 to 4.2 (p < 0.001) and AOFAS improved from 60.6 to 81.9 (p < 0.001). 28 patients (64%) were very satisfied and would have the injection again.No complications were reported.ConclusionIn these chronic cases, PRP produce an efficacy rate, approaching 2 out of every 3. The procedure was safe with no reported complications. The authors feel PRP may have some role in treatment, and merits further study with a prospective randomised trial.     

探讨超声在足底跖筋膜炎诊断中的应用价值

目的 探讨超声在跖筋膜炎诊断及鉴别中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月至2020年7月间,我院203例临床诊断跟痛症患者的临床及超声影像学资料,并总结病因。后对比分析跖筋膜炎患者的双侧跖筋膜及足底脂肪垫的超声参数; 按照BMI是否大于24 kg/m2分组,对比上述参数,探讨超声诊断跖筋膜炎的价值。结果 跖筋膜炎是上述患者足跟痛的首要病因,占82.8%。其中跖筋膜炎患者跖筋膜跟骨止点处的超声测量厚度大于健侧 （0.50 cm vs 0.37 cm）,而脂肪垫厚度小于健侧（0.55 cm vs 0.60 cm）（P<0.05）,中段跖筋膜厚度无差异（P>0.05）。在跟骨止点处,BMI > 24 kg/m2组与BMI < 24 kg/m2组患者右侧跖筋膜无差异（P>0.05）,而BMI > 24 kg/m2组左侧跖筋膜厚于BMI < 24 kg/m2组 （0.46 cm vs 0.40 cm） （P<0.05）。同时,BMI > 24 kg/m2组右侧足底脂肪垫厚度较BMI < 24 kg/m2组增厚 （0.59 cm vs 0.50 cm）（P<0.05）。结论 足底跖筋膜炎超声可直接显示的跖筋膜跟骨止点处增厚,其可为临床提供定量的参数指标,对于足跟痛的软组织因素分析和鉴别有重要临床价值。     

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip: comparison of extracorporeal shockwave with shockwave and alendronate

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and alendronate are reported effective in early osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We hypothesized that joint effects of ESWT and alendronate may produce superior results. This prospective study compared the results of ESWT and alendronate with that of ESWT without alendronate in early ONFH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with 60 hips were randomly divided into tow groups. There were 25 patients with 30 hips in group A and 23 patients with 30 hips in group B. Both groups showed similar demographic characteristics. All patients were treated with 6,000 impulses of ESWT at 28 KV (equivalent to 0.62 mJ/mm((2))) to the affected hip as a single session. Patients in group B also received alendronate 70 mg per week for 1 year, whereas patients in group A did not. The evaluations included clinical assessment, radiograph and MR image of the affected hip. Both groups were compared statistically using paired t, Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests with statistical significance at P < 0.05. The primary end point is the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The secondary end point is the improvement in pain and function of the hip. The third end point is the progression or regression of the lesion on image study. RESULTS: The overall clinical outcomes were improved in 83%, unchanged in 7% and worsened in 10% for group A; and improved in 77%, unchanged in 13% and worsened in 10% for group B. THA was performed in 10% of group A and 10% of group B (P = 1.000). Significant improvements in pain and function of the hip were noted in both groups (P < 0.001), however, the differences between the two groups were not significant (P = 0.400, 0.313). On MR images, the lesions showed progression in 10%, regression in 47% and unchanged in 43% in group A, and progression in 7%, regression in 53% and unchanged in 40% in group B (P = 0.830). CONCLUSION: ESWT and alendronate produced comparable result as compared with ESWT without alendronate in early ONFH. It appears that ESWT is effective with or without the concurrent use of alendronate. The joint effects of alendronate over ESWT in early ONFH are not realized in short-term.     

The thickness of heel fat-pad in patients with plantar fasciitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of heel fat pad (THP) and to detect the relationship between the plantar fasciitis (PF) and age, occupation, BMI, longitudinal arch, the thickness of heel fat-pad in the patients with PF.MethodsA total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men; mean age: 46.5 years (range: 22–70)) that were diagnosed with PF were included to this study. Patients' affected side were compared with the healthy opposite side with the angle of medial arch (AMA) and first metatarsophalangeal angle (FMTPA) on the foot radiograms, and THP and thickness of first metatarsal fat pad (TFMFP) using ultrasonography (USG) of both feet.ResultsThe mean AMAs of feet with pain and without pain were 122.56° and 120.60°, respectively. The mean FMTPAs of feet with pain and without pain were 14.72° and 14.40°, respectively. The mean THPs of feet with pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet with pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.45 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. The mean THPs of feet without pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet without pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.94 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. It was observed that the mean AMA in the heels with pain was significantly higher than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05) and the mean THP in the heels with pain was significantly thinner than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that USG is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for the measurement of THP in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the heel pad was thinner in the painful heels of patients with plantar fasciitis.Level of evidenceLevel III, Diagnostic Study.     

Effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in three major tendon diseases

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a conservative treatment for several painful musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study was the assessment of the relief from pain by the shockwave therapy in a population of consecutive patients affected by specific pathologies.

Materials and methods

A group of consecutive patients were studied and treated. They were affected by calcific tendonitis of the shoulder (129 patients), chronic Achilles tendinopathy (102 patients), and lateral epicondylitis of the elbow (80 subjects). Each patient had 3 applications with a monthly interval, and was followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Results were evaluated by the numeric rating scale (NRS) in all cases, the Constant Murley Score for the assessment of the shoulder function, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score for subjects affected by chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and the Oxford Elbow Score for those affected by a lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

Results

One year after treatment, the results were considered satisfactory with an almost complete resolution of symptoms. There were statistically significant results at the 12-month follow-ups regarding the mean NRS score (from 6.25 to 0.2), the Constant Murley Score (from 66.7 to 79.4), the Oxford Elbow Score (from 28 to 46), and the AOFAS (from 71 to 86).

Conclusions

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be considered a safe, economic, and effective treatment for several chronic musculoskeletal disorders, allowing satisfactory pain relief and improvement of function ability.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

     

The effect of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle in chronic therapy resistant plantar fasciitis

BackgroundThe aetiology of chronic therapy resistant plantar fasciitis (CTRPF) is multifactorial with more focus in recent times on the gastroc-soleus complex. This study evaluates the effect of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle in CTRPF.MethodsAll patients with CRTPF complaints for at least one year underwent the same standard conservative treatment prior to surgery. 32 patients failed this treatment and underwent gastrocnemius recession. Silfverskiöld test, questionnaires and plantar pressure measurements were obtained at 5 visits.ResultsOne year follow up showed a significantly increase in dorsiflexion of the ankle (16 degrees), a decrease in VAS; 78 (SD: 19) to 20 (SD: 24) and significant improved functional scores. Plantar pressure measurements showed an increase of pressure under the medial proximal part of the midfoot and the 1 st metatarsal and a decrease under the hallux.ConclusionsA gastrocnemius recession results in a significant gain in dorsiflexion, altered loading of the foot and good clinical outcome in patients with CTRPF.Level of EvidenceLevel 2