The Statistical Fragility of Platelet-Rich Plasma as Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is estimated to account for 8% of all running-related injuries, affecting nearly 1 out of every 10 adults aged 50 and older. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection may be an effective non-operative treatment option for chronic, refractory PF. However, RCTs in general have come under scrutiny due to a frequent lack of reproducibility, which is largely attributable to shortcomings of the commonly used p=9 patients. Outcome events that were originally reported as significant (p