Achilles Tendon Tear
The patient is a 71-year-old male physician who ruptured his Achilles tendon. While playing badminton, he heard a pop and shortly afterwards was evaluated by an orthopaedist and received x-rays and an MRI. The MRI demonstrated a severe right Achilles tendon rupture involving over 90% of the fibers (see image). The patient was casted in a boot which was not well tolerated. After looking into non-surgical options, the patient was evaluated by Dr Sampson.
A musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed identifying major tearing with a few posterior fibers intact of the Achilles tendon (see image).
After seeing Dr Sampson, the patient received a platelet rich plasma injection graft under ultrasound guidance approximately 5 weeks following his injury. The patient tolerated the procedure well without complication & began physical therapy shortly afterwards.
Initially he experienced some mild ankle swelling after activity, however 3.5 months after treatment he is 99% pain free with no limitations and is exercising without limitations.
Achilles injection under ultrasound guidance.
Patient testimony
"PRP allowed me as a patient to have 'freedom'. I had ruptured my right Achilles tendon and was unable to drive my automobile. Because of PRP, I was able to speed up my recovery in physical therapy and had the 'freedom' to drive and NOT be a burden to family and friends. I am gratefully indebted to Steve Sampson, D.O."