Chengfei Gao

Dr. Chengfei Gao

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 January 2025 in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AZAnkai Zuo
Ankai Zuo
CGChengfei Gao
Chengfei Gao
QJQiufeng Jia
Qiufeng Jia
MZMeirong Zhang
Meirong Zhang
TFTing Fu
Ting Fu
LWLin Wang
Lin Wang
Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroids in treating plantar fasciitis, focusing on pain relief, foot function, and plantar fascia thickness to identify the optimal treatment approach. Design: A comprehensive search of medical databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, utilizing an extensive keyword strategy. Inclusion criteria encompassed prospective randomized controlled trials involving adult patients with plantar fasciitis treated with local platelet-rich plasma or corticosteroid injections, specifically assessing outcomes such as the visual analog scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores, and plantar fascia thickness. Results: The meta-analysis included 24 randomized controlled trials with 1653 participants. Platelet-rich plasma injections yielded significantly better visual analog scale scores compared to corticosteroid injections at 3 mos (P = 0.03) and 6 mos (P < 0.001), with no significant differences at 1 mo (P = 0.12) and 12 mos (P = 0.08). American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores demonstrated that platelet-rich plasma was superior to corticosteroid at 3 (P = 0.05), 6 (P < 0.001), and 12 mos (P < 0.001), with no significant differences at 1 mo (P = 0.31). Regarding plantar fascia thickness, there were no significant differences between platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid at 1–1.5 mos (P = 0.18), 3 mos (P = 0.64), and 6 mos (P = 0.05). Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma injections offer superior pain control compared to corticosteroids in the medium term (3–6 mos) but not in the short term or at 1 yr.