PATH-2: Platelet Rich Plasma in Achilles Tendon Healing

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Achilles Tendon Rupture

Interventions

PROCEDURE

PRP Injection into Achilles tendon rupture gap

PRP injection delivered into the tendon rupture gap Intervention - PRP Injection: The injection is the intervention. A blood sample is withdrawn from patient. Away from patient part of sample is spun down in centrifuge to produce 'Platelet Rich Plasma' (PRP). Patient returns to treatment area and their own PRP is then injected into tendon rupture gap. This is carried out by a surgeon or extended scope physiotherapist, generally in the outpatient clinic, after a local anaesthetic has been applied. Patient is lying face down during procedure, unaware of treatment given to tendon at back of leg. Remaining blood sample sent for analysis.

PROCEDURE

Imitation Injection into Achilles tendon rupture gap

Imitation injection delivered into the tendon rupture gap Sham - Imitation Injection: The injection is the intervention. A blood sample is withdrawn from patient. Treatment is prepared. Patient returns to treatment area and a needle (no syringe) is inserted and held into tendon rupture gap to mimic injection (after local anaesthetic has been applied). No active ingredient given. Carried out by surgeon or extended scope physiotherapist, generally in the outpatient clinic. Patient is lying face down during procedure, unaware of treatment given to tendon at back of leg. Blood sample sent for analysis.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute for Health Research, United Kingdom

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• University of Oxford

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Keith Willett, Professor · Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery University of Oxford

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2015-07-31

Primary Completion

2017-09-18

Completion

2018-03-08

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations