Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Local Injection of Allogeneic Growth Factors in Plantar Fasciitis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain.
• Current treatments offer variable success rates.
• Allogeneic growth factors (GFs) represent a potential therapeutic option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of allogeneic GFs injection for plantar fasciitis.
• To compare GFs injection against a saline control group.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial (Level I evidence) was conducted.
• 150 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized into two groups: allogeneic GFs injection or saline control.
• Pain and function were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index-Revised short form (FFI-Rs) at multiple time points up to 12 months.

Main Results:

• The allogeneic GFs group showed significantly greater reductions in VAS (87% vs 55%) and FFI-Rs (62% vs 40%) scores at 3 months compared to the control group (P < .001).
• Patient satisfaction was higher in the GFs group (92%) than the control group (78.2%).
• Minor adverse effects, such as postinjection pain, were reported in a small number of patients in the GFs group.

Conclusions:

• Allogeneic GF injection demonstrates significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating plantar fasciitis, supported by Level I evidence.
• Further research is warranted to comprehensively assess potential adverse effects, immunogenicity, and microbiological safety of allogeneic GFs.