PATH-2: Platelet Rich Plasma in Achilles Tendon Healing

Platelet Rich Plasma in Achilles Tendon Healing Does using a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection immediately before standard casting benefit patients aged 18 or over who are suitable for nonsurgical treatment of the Achilles tendon rupture (ATR)? This is a multicentre, blinded, randomised, placebo controlled trial with two sub studies: (1) blood sample analysis and (2) needle biopsy in 16 participants. ATR is the most common tendon injury and leads to months of incapacity. With an average work absence of 63108 days there are significant societal and National Health Service (NHS) costs. PRP potential benefit is to improve recovery and return to normal activities earlier, and reduce the NHS and societal impact. The investigators will investigate the efficacy of PRP using disease specific and patient important outcomes to improve the evidence for this treatment of ATR. A minimum of 15 United Kingdom (UK) NHS hospitals will be included to recruit 214 participants. Patients will be identified in the orthopaedic outpatient clinic, usually following an emergency hospital attendance for ATR. After checking eligibility and the informed consent process, baseline data is collected and participants randomised to either 'PRP injection' or 'Imitation (placebo) injection'. A participant's own blood sample is taken and prepared according to allocation. The injection is delivered by a trained surgeon in clinic who will be aware of allocation while the participant remains blind. Participants complete a pain diary and have four study assessments at 4,7,13 and 24 weeks, carried out by a member of the research team blind to allocation. Assessments take place over the telephone or during a hospital outpatient visit. The 24 week hospital visit includes an exercise test of ankle function. All assessments include collection of patient reported responses to pre-set questions. The results may be applicable to the many other tendon and ligament injuries. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme provides funding and University of Oxford is Sponsor.