Authors' objectives: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of plantar heel pain in the United States. Although most patients with PF respond to conservative therapies, 5% to 20% develop chronic PF, which is a degenerative (rather than inflammatory) condition. Surgical therapies are available but have only modest rates of success and are associated with substantial complications. Description of Technology: This health technology assessment focuses on the use of injectable amniotic tissue–derived allografts for treatment of chronic PF. Proponents of amniotic tissue–derived allografts suggest that fetal tissues (the placental membranes) have unique healing properties not found in normal adult tissues. Fetal tissues have low immunogenicity and contain prostaglandins, cytokines, peptides, vasoactive growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, collagen, elastin, and antiinflammatory components that promote epithelialization and regeneration of damaged tissue and limit inflammation and formation of scar tissue. The fetal membranes have been used to treat chronic wounds, prevent adhesions, and promote healing and regeneration of nerves and bone. Amniotic tissues may be obtained when performing elective cesarean sections for healthy pregnancies, then cleansed, sterilized, and processed. Patient Population: The focus of this health technology assessment is on amniotic tissue–derived allografts for the treatment of patients with chronic PF who have not responded to conservative treatments. Clinical Alternatives: A number of noninvasive treatments exist for PF. These include local application of ice, rest, taping, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, orthotic shoe inserts, night splints, immobilization, weight loss, and physical therapy such as stretching. If conservative therapies do not achieve pain relief, alternative therapies may be warranted and include injectable therapies such as platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, botulinum toxin, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and plantar fasciotomy.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=50386

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2014 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc