Outcomes of prolotherapy for intra-tendinous Achilles tears: a case series.

BACKGROUND

The intra-tendinous tear is a new pathology that is defined as a discontinuity of fibres situated entirely within the tendon. Prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant, such as hyperosmolar dextrose, to stimulate a tissue healing response and ultimately reduce pain.

METHODS

43 consecutive patients diagnosed with an intra-tendinous tear were included (27 males: 16 females, mean (SD) age 41 (11.3). Patients were injected with 0.4ml-1.5ml (mean 0.8ml) of 50% dextrose and 0.5% marcaine mixed in a 1:1 ratio. A 4-6 week period of walking boot immobilisation was followed by progressive rehabilitation (6-8 weeks). Outcomes were assessed with a VISA-A questionnaire at baseline, 3 months and a mean 12.6 (7.0) months post-treatment. Ultrasound scans were conducted before treatment and 5.2 (2.3) weeks later to assess sonographic changes.

RESULTS

30 patients (70%) responded with VISA-A scores increasing by 31 (30.5) points after 3 months (f=0.62, p<0.05) and by 40 (29.3) points after 12.60 (7.0) months (f=0.87, p<0.05). After 5.2 (2.3) weeks, echogenicity was significantly reduced (p<0.05) and 27% of tears were no longer detectable. No significant differences were observed in remaining tears with respect to tear size, tendon thickness or neovascularisation.

CONCLUSION

Treatment resulted in clinically significant improvements and controlled trials are warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.