Platelet-rich plasma therapy as a first-line treatment for severe Achilles tendon tear: a case report

Background: This case report evaluates non-surgical ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in a sports medicine setting, as a first-line treatment to repair a severely torn Achilles tendon of a 71-year-old male. Diagnosis was made through clinical examination and imaging, and follow-up data was collected at 6 and 24 weeks post-injection. Content: At 6 weeks post-injection, autologous PRP resulted in a substantial reduction of the Achilles torn fibres, with only minor focal tear evident on musculoskeletal ultrasound. At 24 weeks post-injection, the tear was completely resolved on MRI and the patient returned to full functional activity. Conclusions: Currently there is limited data, with mixed results, regarding PRP treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, and limited reports of using PRP in humans within the first few weeks of injury. This case report demonstrates success of early PRP therapy to repair a severe Achilles tendon tear, from both radiological and functional perspectives. However, larger controlled trials using follow up MRI and sonographic imaging are needed to determine if early PRP treatment post tendon injury would be a safe and effective alternative to accelerate healing.