Comparing Injectable Hyaluronic Acid and Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments for Chronic Achilles and Elbow Tendon Conditions

What this Trial Is About

Chronic tendinopathies and enthesopathies, such as Achilles tendinopathy and medial epicondylopathy golfers elbow, are common musculoskeletal conditions causing pain and reduced function. These conditions involve tissue degeneration and inadequate repair without active inflammation. Standard treatments like physiotherapy can be lengthy and unsatisfactory, so this study aims to compare two injectable treatments, hyaluronic acid HA and platelet-rich plasma PRP, for these chronic tendon issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either two injections of HA or two injections of PRP, given two weeks apart under ultrasound guidance. HA injections deliver sodium hyaluronate to support tendon structure and reduce friction, while PRP injections provide concentrated growth factors to promote repair and healing. The study includes 80 participants and follows them for 12 months after the second injection to assess treatment effects. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of pain intensity using a 100-millimeter Visual Analog Scale and function using specific questionnaires Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand QuickDASH for elbow conditions and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles VISA-A for Achilles tendon issues. Evaluations occur at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Researchers will also monitor return to physical activity levels and record any adverse events throughout the study.

Hyaluronic Acid Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Tendinopathy and Enthesopathy