Platelet concentrate injection improves Achilles tendon repair in rats

• Background:Blood platelets release a cocktail of growth factors when activated, some of which are thought to initiate and stimulate repair.Experiment and findings: We studied whether a platelet concentrate injection would improve Achilles tendon repair in an established rat model. The Achilles tendon was transected and a 3 mm segment removed. After 6h, a platelet concentrate was injected percutaneously into the hematoma. This increased tendon callus strength and stiffness by about 30 % after 1 week, which persisted for as long as 3 weeks after the injection. At this time, the mechanical testing indicated an improvement in material characteristics - i.e., greater maturation of the tendon callus. This was confirmed by blinded histological scoring.Interpretation: Platelet concentrate may prove useful for the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures.

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