Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation on Endoscopy-Assisted Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures are one of the most common sports injuries. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used in tendon-related disorders to enhance tendon healing. However, studies regarding PRP treatment in Achilles tendon rupture show inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with endoscopy-assisted percutaneous repair. Methods: A total of 62 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with surgical repair from January 2014 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Surgical repair in conjunction with PRP augmentation after surgery was classified as the PRP group. Surgical repair without PRP augmentation was classified as the non-PRP group. All patients were followed up at least 2 years post-operation. The outcomes were evaluated on the basis of rate of return to sports, time to return to play, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), calf circumference ratio, ankle range of motion (ROM) and complications following surgery. Results: At 2-year follow-up, the ATRS score was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.8), but the ATRS score in both groups improved with time. Rate of return to sports and time to return to play were not different between the two groups (p = 1.00). Moreover, calf circumference ratio and ankle ROM were evaluated at 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month follow-ups. At 6 months, the PRP group had better ankle ROM (p = 0.003) and a higher calf circumference ratio (p = 0.011); however, at the 24-month evaluation, there were no between-group differences regarding calf circumference ratio, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We show that PRP augmentation in Achilles tendon surgery did not yield superior functional and clinical outcomes. Therefore, clinicians should inform patients of the above information when undergoing Achilles tendon surgery and offer correct expectations to family and patients regrading PRP treatment.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of PRP in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. The results showed that PRP augmentation in Achilles tendon surgery did not lead to superior functional and clinical outcomes. Clinicians should provide accurate information regarding PRP treatment to patients undergoing Achilles tendon surgery.