Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease
Dan Huang, Djandan Tadum Arthur Vithran, Haoli Gong, M. Zeng, Zhongwen Tang, Zhou-Zhou Rao, Jie Wen, Sheng Xiao
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and Achilles tendinopathy (AT) has been controversial. AIM: To assess PRP injections' effectiveness in treating ATR and AT. METHODS: A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese Science and Technology Journal, EMBASE, and China Biomedical CD-ROM. The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy. The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1, 1966 to December 2022. The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1, the visual analogue scale (VAS), Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale (VISA-A), and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes. RESULTS: = 0%] between the PRP group and the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of PRP for AT improved the patient's immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores, changes in Achilles tendon thickness, patient satisfaction, or return to sport. Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores, single heel lift height, calf circumference or return to sport. Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes, more strict experimental methods, and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.