Effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide injection versus normal saline injection for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a prospective randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has been used for the treatment of chronic tendinosis. This prospective randomised study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and complications of PDRN injection for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Methods Forty patients with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated to PDRN injection (PDRN group, n = 20) or normal saline injection (placebo group, n = 20). Injections were performed weekly for three weeks. Clinical evaluations were done at baseline and four and 12 weeks after treatment began using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for foot pain and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). We also monitored the complications in both groups at one, two, four and 12 weeks after initial treatment. Results The PDRN group achieved a significant improvement in VAS and MOXFQ scores at four weeks after treatment, and this improvement continued until 12 weeks after treatment. On the other hand, the placebo group did not achieve a significant improvement in the VAS or MOXFQ scores at four or 12 weeks. The initial VAS and MOXFQ scores of the PDRN group were not significantly different from those of the placebo group. At four weeks after treatment, the VAS and MOXFQ scores of the PDRN group were better than those of the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant. At 12 weeks after treatment, the VAS and MOXFQ scores of the PDRN group were significantly better than those of the placebo group. We noticed no injection-related complications, such as itching, urticaria, redness or infection signs around the injection site in either group. Conclusions PDRN injection is an effective and safe treatment option and may be considered for plantar fasciitis.