Ryan J. Wagner, DO; Karie N. Zach, MD
WMJ. 2021;120(1):78-81.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising treatment for persistent symptoms caused by various musculoskeletal injuries, including tendinopathies.
Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman presented with chronic left knee pain following a motor vehicle accident. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed distal quadriceps tendinosis and a partial tear of the vastus intermedius tendon. She failed extensive conservative management. A PRP injection was performed at the distal quadriceps tendon. In combination with physical therapy, there was substantial improvement of symptoms and corresponding decreased tendinosis on follow-up MRI.
Discussion: Successful use of PRP has been documented in the literature for a variety of chronic orthopaedic conditions including, but not limited to, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylosis, and gluteal tendinopathy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the treatment of chronic quadriceps tendinopathy with a PRP injection.
Conclusion: This case expands the treatment options for chronic quadriceps tendinopathy and highlights another use of PRP within the field of regenerative orthopaedics.