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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

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01-07-2020 | Ultrasound | Original Article

Factors associated with positive outcomes of platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy

Authors: Michele Abate, Luigi Di Carlo, Alberto Belluati, Vincenzo Salini

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Background

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment for Achilles tendinopathy is debated. Therefore, it is important to know which factors, related to the subjects and/or the disease, are associated with positive or negative outcomes. Aim of this study was to evaluate in a large cohort of patients with Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy which variables were independently associated with a positive outcome after platelet-rich plasma treatment.

Material and methods

Eighty-four subjects with Achilles tendinopathy were evaluated by means of VISA-A score and ultrasound and treated with a single platelet-rich plasma injection once a week for 3 weeks. Afterward, a rehabilitation program, based on eccentric training, was implemented. At 3 and 6 months, the relationship between the mean VISA-A score and the following putative predictors was evaluated: sex, age, physical activity, sport, smoking, metabolic risk factors, BMI, symptoms duration, tendon damage, neovessels, adherence to eccentric training. Finally, the percentage of clinically evident positive outcomes (defined as an increase in VISA-A score ≥ 20 points) related to each variable was computed.

Results

At final follow-up, using the General Linear Model for Repeated Measures procedure, male sex (0.02), age ≤ 40 (0.05) and adequate eccentric training (0.02) were found to be independently associated with a significant increase in the mean VISA-A score. Moreover, the clinically evident positive outcomes, as previously defined, were significantly associated with male sex (0.01), age ≤ 40 (0.000), BMI ≤ 25 (0.001), symptoms duration ≤ 12 months (0.02) and good adherence to eccentric training (0.004).

Conclusion

Younger age, male sex and good adherence to eccentric training can be considered predictors of better results after platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy

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Title: Factors associated with positive outcomes of platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Michele Abate
Luigi Di Carlo
Alberto Belluati
Vincenzo Salini
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Ultrasound
Achilles Tendinopathy
Ultrasound
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-020-02642-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with positive outcomes of platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

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