title: A prospective series of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated with autologous-conditioned plasma injections combined with exercise and therapeutic ultrasonography.
abstract: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is a difficult problem to manage, because it can result in significant patient morbidity. We conducted a prospective case series involving 26 patients (2 bilateral cases) with painful and ultrasound-confirmed Achilles tendinopathy for a minimum duration of 6 months. Our objective was to assess whether this condition can be effectively treated with a treatment protocol combining an intratendinous autologous-conditioned plasma injection followed by a standardized rehabilitation protocol. The rehabilitation protocol consisted of full weightbearing in a pneumatic cast boot for 6 weeks, therapeutic ultrasound treatment, and an eccentric exercise program. Our results showed statistically significant improvements in terms of pain (p < .0001), other symptoms (p = .0003), activities of daily living (p = .0002), sports activities (p = .0001), and quality of life (p = .0002). We believe that the use of autologous-conditioned plasma can provide a potential treatment solution for chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
authors: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmington, United Kingdom. vdeans@doctors.org.uk
authors: Victoria M
authors: VM
authors: Deans
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Miller
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy