Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Findings of the Plantar Fasciitis Patients
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Abstract
Background with Objective: Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing heel and arch pain and has been related with degenerative changes in the plantar fascia resulting in tissue thickening Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSK US) is an emerging diagnostic tool which allows for dynamic visualization of tissues in real time. There are very few available studies regarding musculoskeletal ultrasonography findings in patient with plantar fasciitis. The aim of this study was to observe the musculoskeletal ultrasonographic findings of the plantar fasciitis patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Dhaka Medical college hospital, Dhaka during February 2023 to March 2024. A total of 51 patients with plantar fasciitis were included in the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using window based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-20.1).
Results: : The mean age of the patients was 46.6 ±4.3 years where majority of the patients (51.0%) were in 41-45 years age group and 27 (52.9%) patients were male. The mean VAS of the patients was 4.7 ±0.9, 27 (52.9%) had pain score 4 in VAS scale, 14 (27.5%) had scored 5 and 6 (11.8%) patients scored 6. The mean duration of pain of the patients was 5.1 ±3.2 months where 19 (37.3%) had pain for 1-3 months and 17 (33.3%) patients had pain for 4-6 months. According to USG, 25 (49.0%) patients had decreased echogenicity and 6 (11.8%) had hypervascularity. Few had perifascial effusion (5.9%) and one had partial tear. The mean plantar fascia thickness of the patients was 4.7 ±0.5 mm. The thickness was significantly more in male patients (5.1 ±0.4 mm) than female patients (4.4 ±0.4 mm) (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Increased thickness of the plantar fascia with reduced echogenicity and hypervascularity are common ultrasonographic findings of plantar fasciitis.
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