Background: The calcaneus (os calcis) forms the prominent posterior aspect of the foot skeleton. A plantar calcaneal spur (PCS) is a bony outgrowth arising from the inferior surface of the calcaneus, often associated with chronic inflammation at the insertion of the plantar fascia. Recent literature highlights a possible association between calcaneal spurs and plantar fasciitis (PF), particularly in individuals with specific risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of PCSs in patients presenting with heel pain and to assess their association with demographic and clinical risk factors such as age, obesity, and osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 patients (90 males and 160 females) with clinically diagnosed heel pain, selected through convenience sampling from the orthopedic outpatient department. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Standard lateral-view radiographs of the affected foot were taken for all the cases. The sample size of 250 was calculated based on the estimated prevalence data from previous studies to achieve a statistical power of 80% at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Radiological evaluation revealed the presence of PCSs in 185 patients (120 females and 65 males). The prevalence of PCS was notably higher among elderly, obese, and osteoarthritic individuals. Imaging findings were reviewed independently by two radiologists to ensure inter-rater reliability, and cases of discrepancy were resolved through the consensus. Conclusion: A strong association was observed between PCSs and clinical features of PF. Recognizing this correlation can guide orthopedic surgeons in selecting appropriate management strategies, whether conservative or surgical, based on the severity of symptoms and imaging findings.
Badwaik et al. (Thu,) studied this question.