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Retrospective Review Evaluating the Relationship Between Radiographic Calcaneal Fat Pad Thickness and Plantar
Elizabeth Bonarigo1, Ashwin Easow1, Steven Cohen1
1*New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is linked to thinner calcaneal fat pads (CFP). Weightbearing lateral radiographs can reveal this relationship, aiding in PF diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Podiatry
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of adult heel pain due to chronic degeneration of the plantar fascia.
- The calcaneal fat pad (CFP) provides shock absorption during gait.
- The radiographic relationship between CFP thickness and PF has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between calcaneal fat pad (CFP) thickness and the incidence of plantar fasciitis (PF).
- To determine if CFP thickness, measured on weightbearing lateral radiographs, correlates with PF.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted between a PF patient cohort and a control group.
- Weightbearing lateral foot radiographs were obtained for all participants.
- Calcaneal fat pad (CFP) thickness was measured using radiography software.
Main Results:
- The study included ten patients with PF and ten controls.
- Average CFP thickness was 0.808 cm in the PF group and 1.091 cm in the control group.
- A statistically significant difference (P=0.0045) was found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Weightbearing lateral radiographs can be a practical tool for examining CFP thickness.
- Findings suggest a relationship between reduced CFP thickness and the incidence of plantar fasciitis (PF).
