SAN FRANCISCO – The addition of autologous conditioned plasma to an accelerated nonoperative rehabilitation program with early mobilization did not affect the outcome of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture 1 year after injury, according to a study presented here.
At the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2012 Annual Meeting, Kevin Willits, MD, FRCSC, of London, Ontario, Canada, said autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) has the biological potential to enhance healing, but there is currently limited clinical evidence to support its use, particularly in this application.
The prospective cohort study had a total of 145 patients, with 72 patients in the historical control group and 73 patients in the ACP group. The patients had a mean age of 40.8 ± 9.2 years, and there were 59 men in each group. Gender, age, weight, height and activity at time of injury were balanced between groups. Both groups received identical physical therapy regimens. The ACP group received injections at baseline and at 2 weeks.
At 1-year follow-up, three patients in the control group and two patients in the ACP group had re-ruptures. The researchers noted no statistically significant or clinically important differences for isokinetic plantar flexion strength, plantar flexion range of motion, calf circumference and Leppilahti score, and the groups had a similar complication rate. However, Willits said there were no new complications with the addition of ACP, and 57 patients have completed 2 years of follow-up.
“Overall, more investigation is required to determine the role of ACP in acute Achilles tendon ruptures and that work is ongoing,” he said.
Reference:
- Kaniki N, Willits K, Fung V, Bryant D. Autologous conditioned plasma for nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. Paper #58. Presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2012 Annual Meeting. Feb. 7-11. San Francisco.
- Disclosure: The researchers received research or institutional support from Arthrex.