EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) IN TREATMENT OF CHRONIC AND RECURRENT TENDINOPATHIES

Abstract

Background & Objective: Chronic and Recurrent Tendinopathies causes variable pain and functional impairment in daily routine activities. They are slow to heal and their treatment poses a great challenge for the treating Clinician. Therefore, this study was initiated to explore the effectiveness of PRP in recurrent tendinopathies. Material and Methods: The study population comprised of patients with chronic or recurrent: Achilles tendinitis (AT), Tennis elbow (TE) or Plantar Fasciitis (PF) and were given autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection locally at point of maximal tenderness. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was filled by the concerned clinician at base line (Day1), at 6 weeks and 6 months after the procedure. Results: The study included 48 patients with mean age 49.5 ± 10.98 years. There were 18 male and 30 females. Mean VAS score of all 48 patients at the time of presentation was 8.8 ± 0.73. Mean VAS score when calculated separately for AT, TE and PF were 8.3 ± 0.48, 9.4 ± 0.5 and 9.5 ± 0.54 respectively. Mean VAS score decreased at 6 weeks and at 6 months to 1.8 ± 2.2 and 0.72 ± 1.88 respectively for all 48 patients. This decrease in VAS score at 6 weeks and at 6 months was significant when compared for all 48 patients. When compared separately, decrease in VAS at 6 weeks and 6 months was significant for AT and TE group. Conclusions: Local injection of autologous PRP proved to be a promising form of therapy for TE and AT. It is safe and extremely effective in relieving pain and improving function in chronic and recurrent tendinopathies.