A single platelet-rich plasma injection for chronic midsubstance achilles tendinopathy: a retrospective preliminary analysis.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients undergoing a single platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for the treatment of chronic midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy, in whom conservative treatment had failed. Thirty-two patients underwent a single PRP injection for the treatment of chronic midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy and were evaluated at a 6-month final follow-up using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Short Form 12 general health questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on all patients prior to and 6 months after injection. Twenty-five of 32 patients (78%) reported that they were asymptomatic at the 6-month follow-up visit and were able to participate in their respective sports and daily activities. The remaining 7 patients (22%) who reported symptoms that did not improve after 6 months ultimately required surgery. Four patients went on to have an Achilles tendoscopy, while the other 3 had an open debridement via a tendon splitting approach. A retrospective evaluation of patients receiving a single PRP injection for chronic midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy revealed that 78% had experienced clinical improvement and had avoided surgical intervention at 6-month follow-up.


METHODS
Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective case series.
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York (CDM, NAS, HN, JGK).
Christopher D
CD
Murawski
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York (CDM, NAS, HN, JGK).
Niall A
NA
Smyth
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York (CDM, NAS, HN, JGK).
Hunter
H
Newman
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York (CDM, NAS, HN, JGK) KennedyJ@HSS.EDU.
John G
JG
Kennedy
D000125:Achilles Tendon; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Achilles tendonitis; ankle; heel; rearfoot; sports injuries; sports podiatry