Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2025;13(2):15 Orthop J Sports Med . 2024 Nov 27;12(11):23259671241296508.What this means for my practice?
PRP injections do not currently provide significant functional or structural benefits in managing chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy compared to standard nonoperative treatments. Clinicians should prioritize well-established therapies while considering individual patient preferences and expectations. The study's main limitation is the heterogeneity in PRP preparation and application methods across trials, underscoring the need for standardization and rigorous research.
Study Summary
Six studies involving 422 patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PRP injections with nonoperative treatments. Pooled outcomes included VISA-A scores and maximal Achilles tendon (AT) thickness across three time points (3, 6, and 12 months). No significant differences were observed in functional outcomes (VISA-A score) or tendon thickness between PRP and control groups at any time point (e.g., short-term VISA-A, p = 0.29; intermediate-term AT thickness, p = 0.20). This review suggests that current evidence does not support PRP injection as a superior treatment for Achilles tendinopathy and highlights the need for better-designed trials.
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