No Significant Impact of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Recovery After Achilles Tendon Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
January 2025
in “
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics
”
TLDR Platelet-rich plasma does not improve recovery after Achilles tendon surgery.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on recovery after Achilles tendon surgery in middle-aged males, a high-risk group for Achilles tendon rupture. The study, which included 14 participants and a 2-year follow-up, found no significant benefits of PRP over placebo in terms of clinical scores, muscle strength, or MRI assessments. Both PRP and saline groups showed similar recovery trajectories, with no statistically significant differences in recovery outcomes. The study highlights the limited efficacy of PRP in enhancing recovery after Achilles tendon surgery, suggesting that anatomical challenges may hinder early recovery, and emphasizes the need for further research in more diverse populations.