Injection with autologous conditioned serum has better clinical results than eccentric training for chronic Achilles tendinopathy

Purpose Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of malfunction and pain, which can lead to a significant reduction of the quality of life. The hypothesis of this study argues that autologous conditioned serum (i.e. Orthokine) injections in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy have a better outcome than eccentric training. Methods This study investigates, retrospectively, the effects of peritendinous autologous conditioned serum injections as compared to standard eccentric training in 50 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy between 2012 and 2015. Before injection or eccentric training and 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months thereafter, the patients were assessed by means of the VISA-A-G score (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire—German). An MRI was also performed before and 6 months after injection and eccentric training. Results Both patient groups had statistically significant better VISA-A-G scores after injection or eccentric training compared to the baseline before injection (90 vs 40, respectively, P