Hajo Thermann1, Ralph Fischer1, Nikolaos Gougoulias2, Lucio Cipollaro3, Nicola Maffulli4. 1. HKF-International Center for Hip, Foot and Knee Surgery, Bismarckstraße 9-15, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany. 2. Footsurgery Clinic, 54631 Thessaloniki, Greece. 3. Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno 89100, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy. 4. Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno 89100, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy; Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University Faculty of Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke on Trent, UK. Electronic address: n.maffulli@qmul.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: When non-operative management fails to improve symptoms in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, surgery may be required. Various open and endoscopic techniques have been proposed, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as an adjunct to aid tendon healing. METHODS:Thirty-six patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to undergo endoscopic debridement alone (n = 19) or in combination with intraoperative PRP application (n = 17). Clinical outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, function and satisfaction and the VISA-A questionnaire (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles). Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. An MRI examination at 3 and 12 months was used to assess signal alterations within the tendon. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.05) after surgery, with no difference between the 2 groups. Tendon diameter increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months. The tendinopathy area increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months below baseline level in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the MRI parameters. Nodular thickening and MRI-detected signal alteration persisted after surgery, with no association between imaging and clinical outcome. Five minor complications were reported: 2 in the PRP group and 3 in the control group. CONCLUSION:Endoscopic debridement of the Achilles tendon improved clinical outcomes in patients with mid-portion tendinopathy. The addition of PRP did not improve outcomes compared to debridement alone. MRI parameters showed no association with clinical outcomes.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: When non-operative management fails to improve symptoms in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, surgery may be required. Various open and endoscopic techniques have been proposed, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as an adjunct to aid tendon healing. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to undergo endoscopic debridement alone (n = 19) or in combination with intraoperative PRP application (n = 17). Clinical outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, function and satisfaction and the VISA-A questionnaire (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment - Achilles). Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. An MRI examination at 3 and 12 months was used to assess signal alterations within the tendon. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.05) after surgery, with no difference between the 2 groups. Tendon diameter increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months. The tendinopathy area increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months below baseline level in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the MRI parameters. Nodular thickening and MRI-detected signal alteration persisted after surgery, with no association between imaging and clinical outcome. Five minor complications were reported: 2 in the PRP group and 3 in the control group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic debridement of the Achilles tendon improved clinical outcomes in patients with mid-portion tendinopathy. The addition of PRP did not improve outcomes compared to debridement alone. MRI parameters showed no association with clinical outcomes.