Study Summary

Thirteen randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) against a control group in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) or Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes of interest included the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A) score, Achilles tendon thickness, pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction. Subgroup analyses were also performed to assess heel raise height, calf circumference, range of motion, return to sport, and incidence of adverse events in patients with ATR. All outcomes at all time points were similar between the two groups with the exception of range of motion in ATR patients at 12 months and VAS scores at 3 months -- range of motion at 12 months favored the placebo group whereas VAS scores at 3 months favored the PRP group.