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One-Year Follow-up of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Suzan de Jonge,*yz MD, Robert J. de Vos,z MD, PhD, Adam Weir,z MD, Hans T. M. van Schie,y§ DVM, PhD, Sita M. A. Bierma-Zeinstra,y|| PhD, Jan A. N. Verhaar,y MD, PhD, Harrie Weinans,y{ PhD, and Johannes L. Tol,z MD, PhD Am J Sports Med 2011 39: 1623 originally published online May 21, 2011
Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a common disease among both athletes and in the general population in which the use of
platelet-rich plasma has recently been increasing. Good evidence for the use of this autologous product in tendinopathy is limited,
and data on longer-term results are lacking.
Purpose: To study the effects of a platelet-rich plasma injection in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy at
1-year follow-up.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
Methods: Fifty-four patients, aged 18 to 70 years, with chronic tendinopathy 2 to 7 cm proximal to the Achilles tendon insertion
were randomized to receive either a blinded injection containing platelet-rich plasma or saline (placebo group) in addition to an
eccentric training program. The main outcome was the validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles score. Patient
satisfaction was recorded and ultrasound examination performed at baseline and follow-up.
Results: The mean Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles score improved in both the platelet-rich plasma group and
the placebo group after 1 year. There was no significant difference in increase between both groups (adjusted between-group
difference, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, –4.9 to 15.8, P = .292). In both groups, 59% of the patients were satisfied with the
received treatment. Ultrasonographic tendon structure improved significantly in both groups but was not significantly different
between groups (adjusted between-group difference, 1.2%; 95% confidence interval, –4.1 to 6.6, P = .647).
Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial showed no clinical and ultrasonographic superiority of platelet-rich plasma injection
over a placebo injection in chronic Achilles tendinopathy at 1 year combined with an eccentric training program.