AANA19 Foot & Ankle Access Pass-Growth Factors for Achilles and Ankle_ Fact or Fiction - Featured Shamrock Lecture-Dr. John G. Kennedy, M.D.

Growth Factors for Achilles and Ankle_ Fact or Fiction - Featured Shamrock Lecture-Dr. John G. Kennedy, M.D.

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Owen Hurley presented on behalf of Dr. Kennedy about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for Achilles tendinopathy. PRP contains proteins and growth factors aiding tendon repair, with notable anti-inflammatory effects. Basic science supports PRP’s benefits in cell proliferation and collagen production; however, clinical evidence is mixed. Variability in PRP preparation, especially leukocyte concentration, may explain conflicting results. Leukocyte-poor PRP shows more promise for tendon healing, whereas leukocyte-rich PRP may worsen inflammation and be ineffective clinically. Standardizing PRP formulations and focusing on leukocyte-poor preparations in future research is crucial before definitive conclusions on PRP efficacy for Achilles tendinopathy can be drawn.

Keywords

platelet-rich plasma

Achilles tendinopathy

leukocyte-poor PRP

tendon repair

inflammation