Int Orthop. 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06722-x. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative treatment is the preferred initial intervention for plantar fasciitis. However, some patients fail to respond and present with continued pain. This study investigated the effectiveness of concentrated bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis that underwent treatment with BMAC injection. Bone marrow aspirate was harvested from the iliac crest, concentrated, and injected into the site of maximal tenderness in the plantar fascia. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were collected before and after the BMAC injection at six, ten, 24, and 48 weeks. Postoperative complications were recorded.
RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (19 feet) with chronic plantar fasciitis were treated with BMAC injection. Average age was 52.6 (SD, ± 7.5) years with an average BMI of 26.4 (SD, ± 4.6) kg/m2. The average duration of pain prior to the BMAC injection was 2.5 (SD, ± 1.3) years. Preoperatively, average VAS was 7.5 (SD, ± 2.3), with significant improvement at six weeks (mean, 2.3; SD, ± 1.2), ten weeks (mean, 2.2; SD, ± 1.2), 24 weeks (mean 1.7; SD, ± 1.1), and at 48 weeks (mean, 1.1; SD, ± 0.7) postoperatively (all p < 0.05). No complications were observed at the surgical or donor site.
CONCLUSION: Patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated with BMAC injection demonstrated and maintained a statistically significant decrease in VAS pain score upon assessment at each postoperative follow-up up to 48 weeks, with no adverse effects at the donor or injection site. These findings suggest that BMAC injection may be a safe treatment option offering early pain relief.
PMID:41489648 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06722-x
