What's Not Hot: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Achilles Tendinopathy

In the treatment of the painful, non-ruptured Achilles tendinopathy, the primary focus is on achieving pain relief and maintaining that relief over time. Barreto et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of PRP in improving both pain and function, as measured by the VISA-A score at intervals of three months, six months, and one-year after treatment. Additionally, they evaluated the impact of PRP on VAS pain scores three months after treatment in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

No benefit to PRP

They found no benefit of PRP over placebo at three months, six months, or one year. PRP did not improve VAS pain scores at three months. 

Strong conclusions

The authors concluded that PRP should not be used to treat Achilles tendinopathy until future high-quality randomized controlled trials show a clear clinical benefit. They found that PRP did not improve pain or function compared to a placebo, and there is also considerable publication bias that exaggerates the perceived benefits of PRP.