High-Resolution Ultrasonography In Plantar Fasciitis: Comparative Assessment With MRI For Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy

Authors

  • Sreelakshmy P S
  • G . Yuvabalakumaran
  • R. M. Sidhesh
  • R. Sathiyanarayanan
  • B. Pravitha

Keywords:

Soft Tissue Inflammation, High-Resolution Ultrasound, Imaging Correlation, Heel Pain, MRI, Ultrasonography, Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Objective:

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, frequently diagnosed through clinical evaluation and imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for soft tissue assessment; however, high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) has emerged as a cost-effective and accessible alternative. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of HRUS in detecting plantar fasciitis and establish its correlation with MRI findings, thereby assessing its potential as a first-line imaging modality.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients (age range: 25–65 years) presenting with clinical symptoms of plantar fasciitis, including heel pain, morning stiffness, and localized tenderness, were enrolled in this prospective study. All participants underwent HRUS and MRI for comparative evaluation. Ultrasonographic parameters included plantar fascia thickness, echogenicity, presence of perifascial hyperemia, and associated soft tissue changes. MRI assessments focused on plantar fascia thickening, edema, and inflammatory changes. The correlation between HRUS and MRI findings was analyzed using statistical measures such as sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient to determine inter-modality agreement.

Results:

HRUS successfully identified plantar fascia thickening (>4 mm), hypoechogenicity, and perifascial hyperemia in 52 out of 60 patients (86.7%), confirming its high sensitivity. MRI findings demonstrated plantar fascia thickening, perifascial edema, and soft tissue inflammation in 55 patients (91.7%). The correlation between HRUS and MRI was strong (κ = 0.87), indicating substantial agreement between the two modalities. The sensitivity and specificity of HRUS were 94.5% and 90.2%, respectively, compared to MRI, establishing its reliability in diagnosing plantar fasciitis

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Conclusion:

High-resolution ultrasonography is an extremely sensitive and specific imaging modality for detecting plantar fasciitis. Its strong correlation with MRI findings supports its utility as a first-line diagnostic tool, particularly in settings where MRI is less accessible or cost-prohibitive. Given its dynamic imaging capability, affordability, and ease of use, HRUS should be considered an essential tool in the early diagnosis and management of plantar fasciitis

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Published

2025-05-08

How to Cite

1.
P S S, . Yuvabalakumaran G, M. Sidhesh R, Sathiyanarayanan R, Pravitha B. High-Resolution Ultrasonography In Plantar Fasciitis: Comparative Assessment With MRI For Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025May8 [cited 2025Sep.24];14(21S):489-9. Available from: https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/5345

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 21S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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