Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

The treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (CAT) remains challenging. We report three cases of CAT treated with autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), following principles developed for chondrogenesis of the knee joint. Outcome measurement with a minimum of one and a half years follow-up showed significant improvement of Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) scores, with reduction of tendon thickness and inflammation on MRI scan.

Keywords

• chronic achilles tendinopathy
• tendinitis
• peripheral blood stem cells
• visa-a scores