Abstract
Background: Ultrasound has proved its ability to detect changed associated with plantar fasciitis (PF). However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still the gold standard technique for the diagnosis of such condition.
Aim of the work: This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic capability of ultrasonography for the detection of plantar fasciitis in comparison with MRI in diabetic foot patients.
Patients and methods: This prospective case control study was included 40 subjects; 30 cases diagnosed with PF in addition to 10 controls. All subjects were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, plantar US and MRI examination for assessment of PF signs.
Results: Basic demographics were comparable between cases and controls. By both US and MRI, plantar fascial thickness showed a significant increase, in both longitudinal and transverse planes, in cases compared to controls. US had sensitivity and specificity of 92.6 and 100% respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.3% for the detection of focal thickening and fascial abnormal signaling. US had sensitivity and specificity of 94.4 and 100% in detecting soft tissue edema, while it had poor sensitivity for calcaneal spur, and no sensitivity for bone marrow edema.
Conclusion: US could be considered as good alternative tool compared to MRI in the diagnosis of PF, as it was able to detect most signs of such pathology. However, it is recommended to be performed by an experienced radiologist.