Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Dragoo JL · The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2014)
DOI: 10.1177/0363546513518416This double-blind RCT compared LR-PRP to dry needling in 23 patients with patellar tendinopathy. The study found a transient benefit of PRP at 12 weeks that completely disappeared by 26 weeks. At the early timepoint, VISA-P scores improved more in the PRP group, but by 6 months both groups were equivalent. The small sample size limits the power of conclusions.
Clinical Relevance
Adds to the evidence that PRP does not provide durable benefit for patellar tendinopathy. Any short-term improvements appear to equalize over time. Clinicians should prioritize exercise-based rehabilitation for this condition.
Key Takeaways
- Transient PRP benefit at 12 weeks that vanished by 26 weeks
- Very small sample (n=23), limiting statistical power
- Used LR-PRP preparation
- Control was dry needling (which itself has therapeutic properties)
- Consistent with Scott 2019 in showing PRP lacks sustained benefit for patellar tendinopathy
Key Findings
PRP showed greater VISA-P improvement at 12 weeks (25.4 vs 5.2 points, p=0.02), but this difference disappeared by 26 weeks, suggesting only transient benefit.
Clinical Context
Study Design
Randomized Controlled Trial (Double-Blind)
Condition
Patellar Tendinopathy
Sample Size
23 patients
Follow-up
6 months
Control Group
Dry Needling Alone
Primary Outcome
VISA-P
PRP Protocol & Intervention
Leukocyte Status
LR-PRP
Injection Frequency
1 injection(s)
Guidance Method
Ultrasound