Efficacy of a platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of proximal hamstring tendinopathy: A pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the treatment of patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT). DesignPilot prospective cohort study MethodsAdministration of a single PRP injection under ultrasound guidance to 29 patients with PHT confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pain, function and sporting activity were measured via the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Proximal Hamstring Tendons (VISA-H) questionnaire, administered before injection and at 8-weeks follow-up. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 22 females and 7 males with a mean age of 45.2 years (95% CI 40.8–49.5). When comparing pre-injection VISA-H scores (mean: 43.90; 95% CI 37.77–50.03) with 8-week post-injection VISA-H scores (mean: 51.14; 95% CI 43.39–58.88) in the total sample of patients, no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.14). When performing separate analyses for patients with mild (n=9), moderate (n=16) or marked (n=4) PHT, no statistically significant difference was found in pre-and post-injection VISA-H scores for any of the groups (p=0.86, p=0.13, p=0.28 respectively). 69% of patients reported no change in their ability to undertake sport or other physical activity at 8-weeks follow-up. ConclusionsPatients with PHT receiving a PRP injection did not improve on clinical outcomes at 8-weeks follow-up.