daniel’s AchillesBlog

Hello all,

I’ve decided to start this blog because there is very little information available regarding the the use of PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) during Achilles rupture surgery. I had done quite a bit of research prior to my surgery about PRP and found very little information about the use of this option. Most of the info I found was more relivaint to tendon tears of muscle related injuries. I guess I was very lucky when I went to my doctor and he told me that he has had very good results with this option and that recovery time is faster. I am now in my 5th week post-op and I have been to the ortho twice; once after 2 weeks and again after the fourth week. Each time I went he said I cannot believe how well I am healing and that I am very far ahead of the curve. After my fourth week I was referred to physical theraphy and both PT’s could not believe how well my incision is healing, the range of motion I have at this point and that I have no noticeable atrophy. They also said that the recoveries they’ve seen with this treatment are very noticeable different than non-PRP patients.

I just want to make this clear: I am not a doctor nor do I benefit in any way if you use PRP. I am only writing because there is so little available on this option and I feel it is helping me tremendously and may help others. You can make your own decisions I am only writing about my experiences.

I will do my best to keep up with this blog as I think this will become more popular surgical option in the furure with this type of injury.

I would also like to mention that I was very lucky and my insurance covered the PRP. It make sense in my opinion if you will recover faster and would therefore have less doctor visits and PT sessions. It is also my understanding that you only heal quicker with this option, meaning you would have the same results in the end, but you just get their sooner. I’m sure there are some doctors on the site who will give their take on this option. I know many people are skeptical since there is one study that was done that mentioned there were not any noticiable benefits from PRP. However, to my knowledge that study did not take into account the concentration of the PRP given to the patients. Concentration is a key element and from what I’ve read makes a big difference.

In regards to my progress, after surgery I was put in a splint for two weeks and then fitted with a boot two weeks after that. When fitted with the boot I was fit at 90 degrees immediately. At week 4 I was allowed partial weight, and will be PWB for one more month. Even though my doctor and PT are saying I’m doing really well they are not rushing me into putting more weight on it at this point. They are just happy with the range of motion and how well I’m healing. They said I will get throught the tail end of the PT quicker since I won’t have to work as hard to get the range of motion and strength back in my calf.

I hope this is somewhat helpful and I’m sorry for the rambling. I would have went back and made this flow better, but the editing options are somewhat limited.

Happy healing,

Dan