Is Platelet-rich Plasma Effective in Treating Achilles Tendinopathy? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Several meta-analyses have evaluated the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. Although they generally did not find PRP to be effective, an updated meta-analysis containing all the available, high-quality randomized trial evidence that addresses the methodological shortcomings identified in earlier meta-analyses needs to be performed. Question/purposes This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in improving (1) pain and function as assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment and (2) VAS pain scores 3 months after treatment in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from their inception until June 2024, focusing on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing PRP with placebo or other treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. Our search identified 1289 studies, of which 1262 were excluded after removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, leaving 27 studies for detailed review. Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 422 patients, with a predominance of participants who were men. Publication bias was suggested by funnel plot asymmetry, which suggested that, if anything, the results may have overstated

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.