PRP improves short term clinical results in tendinopathy of Achilles tendon

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BackgroundChronic Achilles tendinopathy is a common pathology and standardized treatment strategies are lacking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. Materials and MethodsTwenty tendons in seventeen patients were included. Mean age of participants was 52.6 years (range, 34-72 years). All patients were treated by one single PRP injection. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score and pain level according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were noted in all patients pre-treatment and at 2 weeks, 2 and 6 months post-treatment. ResultsThe average AOFAS Hindfoot Score increased from 37.95 points (range, 33 to 52 points) pre-treatment to 90.8 (range, 83 to 97 points) post-treatment at 6 months. The average pain level according to VAS decreased from 8.65 points pre-treatment to 1.15 points post-treatment at 6 month. All patients returned to daily activities after 2 weeks and to sports activities after 1 month. Two of the patients were able to practice sports after the 3 month post PRP injection due to pain. None of the patients showed complications or adverse effects after the PRP injection. ConclusionLocal PRP injections showed effective results in chronic Achilles tendinopathy without any complications and seems to be a good treatment alternative in this entity. Moreover it might have the ability to avoid surgical intervention. Level of EvidenceIV.