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Context: Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent cause of heel pain, poses challenges in treatment due to diverse therapeutic options and variable outcomes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections have emerged as potential interventions, yet their comparative effectiveness remains debated. Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of PRP and TA injections in relieving pain, improving function, and promoting healing in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Settings and Design: The study design was a prospective, hospital-based, experimental study. Subjects and Methods: A 2-year prospective hospital-based experimental study was conducted, enrolling patients aged 30–60 years with plantar fasciitis. Patients received either PRP or TA injections. Preoperative assessments and 3 months of monitoring were performed. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) survey was utilized for outcome evaluation. Statistical Analysis Used: T-test was applied. Results: Ninety patients were included, with both treatment groups demonstrating significant improvement in foot symptoms. PRP administration showed superiority in descending and ascending stairs, rising from sitting, and walking on flat surfaces compared to TA. FAOS scores indicated significant improvement posttreatment in both groups, with PRP yielding better outcomes than TA. Conclusions: Both PRP and TA injections effectively alleviate foot symptoms in plantar fasciitis patients. However, PRP demonstrates superior outcomes in specific functional activities and quality-of-life components compared to TA. These findings suggest PRP as a preferred intervention in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Introduction While the COVID-19 pandemic may still be ongoing, we have simultaneously entered into the post-acute phase of COVID-19, which comes with its own challenges. This case series reports 11 patients of COVID-19 treated with corticosteroids who subsequently developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods All consecutive patients diagnosed on MRI with ONFH from August 2020 to May 2021 and were retrospectively COVID-19 positive were included. The treatment administered for COVID-19 was retrieved and evaluated. The patients were managed for femoral head necrosis, and results were reported. Results Overall, 11 patients developed ONFH in a total of 16 hips. The severity of femoral head necrosis depended on the dose of corticosteroid administered during COVID-19. A high dose for a longer duration resulted in a higher ONFH stage (FICAT & Arlet ). Hips in the lower grade were treated conservatively, and in the higher grade were treated surgically. The follow-up scores of patients demonstrated steady improvement. Conclusions High suspicion of femoral head necrosis has to be considered in patients treated with corticosteroids for COVID-19 as it can aid in early detection and early intervention to preserve the native femoral head.

Introduction: Backache and sciatic pain are routinely seen in day-to-day practice. In all urban settings with changed lifestyle, lack of exercise, bad posture, excessive use of vehicles, and disturbed nutrition; problem of discogenic backache and sciatica is on the rise. The treatment modalities vary from conservative to surgical methods, but they predominantly provide relief to leg pain and not back pain. Nerve root block acts at these inflammatory processes, by the action of the steroid and thus decreasing the chemical irritation to the nerve roots. Furthermore, there is a decrease in sensitization of dorsal horn neurons by bupivacaine. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of root block procedure. To study relief in terms of pain alleviation, activities of daily living, and straight leg raising (SLR) restriction. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of fifty patients of sciatic radiculopathy between the ages of 20 and 60 years were evaluated under this study at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Pune. All the patients of different age and sex had radicular pain with or without back pain, restricted spinal mobility, positive active and passive SLR test, and other nerve tension signs. Results: Out of fifty patients selected after thorough clinical and radiological examination, 45 (90%) had enjoyed complete pain relief and 31 (62%) of which were completely symptom-free at the end of 1 year. Conclusion: Spinal nerve root block may provide lasting therapeutic benefit, allowing the patient to participate in physical therapy and early return to routine activities saving working manpower hours.