EFFICACY OF PLATELET‑RICH PLASMA THERAPY IN TENDINOPATHIES: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

Background: Tendinopathies are common musculoskeletal disorders that frequently respond inadequately to conventional conservative management. Platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising biological treatment, yet evidence from routine clinical practice in resource‑limited settings remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound‑guided PRP injection in patients with common tendinopathies. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over one year at Pranav Hospital, Dindigul. Patients with clinically and sonographically confirmed tendinopathy of the rotator cuff, lateral epicondyle, patellar tendon, or Achilles tendon were enrolled. PRP was prepared using a double‑spin centrifugation method and injected under ultrasound guidance. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, site‑specific functional scores (Constant‑Murley, PRTEE, VISA‑P, VISA‑A), and the Roles and Maudsley score. Statistical analysis employed repeated measures ANOVA and paired tests using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 112 patients (62 male, 50 females; mean age 44.3±11.8 years) completed follow‑up. Significant improvements in VAS and functional scores were observed at all post‑treatment time points compared to baseline (p<0.001 for all). At 6 months, mean VAS reduced from 6.8±1.4 to 2.1±1.2, representing a 69.1% reduction. Functional scores improved by 52–61% across different tendinopathy sites. Good to excellent outcomes (Roles and Maudsley grade 1 or 2) were achieved in 81.3% of patients. Minor adverse events occurred in 12.5% of patients with no major complications. Conclusion: Ultrasound‑guided PRP injection significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with common tendinopathies over six months, with a favorable safety profile. These findings support PRP as an effective and practical treatment option in routine orthopaedic practice.