Achilles tendinopathy management: A pilot randomised controlled trial comparing platelet-rich plasma injection with an eccentric loading programme. Issue 10 (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kearney, R. S.; Parsons, N.; Costa, M. L.
• Is Part Of: Bone & joint research. Volume 2:Issue 10(2013)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: Achilles tendon -- Eccentric loading -- Platelet rich plasma; Musculoskeletal system -- Periodicals; 573.705
• DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.210.2000200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-3758

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a larger trial to evaluate the difference in Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores at six months between patients with Achilles tendinopathy treated with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection compared with an eccentric loading programme. Methods: Two groups of patients with mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy were randomised to receive a PRP injection or an eccentric loading programme. A total of 20 patients were randomised, with a mean age of 49 years (35 to 66). All outcome measures were recorded at baseline, six weeks, three months and six months. Results: The mean VISA-A score for the injection group at the primary endpoint of six months was 76.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 58.3 to 93.7) and for the exercise group was 57.4 (95% CI 38.1 to 76.7). There was no statistically significant difference between these scores (p = 0.171), which was expected from such a pilot study. Conclusions: This pilot study has been key to providing data to inform a larger study and shows that the methodology is feasible. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:227–32.