Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
First Advisor
Staveteig, Mindy
Keywords
Tendinopathies, Platelet Rich Plasma, Glucocorticoid, Epicondylitis, Achilles Tendinopathy
Abstract
Tendinopathy is a clinical syndrome marked by persistent localized pain and tendon thickening, stemming from repetitive overuse-induced trauma. This musculoskeletal condition poses diagnostic and management challenges due to its chronic nature. Management entails a multifaceted approach, encompassing activity modification, pain control, and rehabilitative exercise. The pathophysiological shift from inflammation to degeneration highlights the need for changes in comprehensive management strategies in which platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained growing interest with limited literature support for its use in clinical practice. This literature review was performed to inform clinicians about the properties, safety, and efficacy of PRP injections as an adjunctive therapy in chronic tendinopathies. A comprehensive review of 12 clinical trials, exploring the efficacy of PRP injections was performed. The Primary focus of this review investigated the trends in efficacy, including pain reduction and activity improvement, using various functional assessment. Overall, studies comparing PRP with various modalities show promise in reducing pain, improving function, and fostering tendon regeneration. Combining PRP with physical therapy often yields superior outcomes, urging further exploration of optimal PRP formulations, concentrations, injection intervals, and the role of ultrasound guidance. This comprehensive analysis of PRP injections showcases their potential as an alternative for chronic tendinopathies, emphasizing tissue regeneration and safety. Addressing current limitations and optimizing protocols through further research will enhance our understanding and utilization of PRP in tendinopathy treatment.
Recommended Citation
Kisse, Rachel, "Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma Injections to Combat Chronic Tendinopathies" (2024). Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers. 183.
https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-papers/183