AbstractPurposeTo assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a conservative therapy on individuals with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCs) or tendinopathy in terms of pain, and function.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Short-term (6±1 months) and long-term (≥1 year) outcomes were analysed, including the visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score (CMS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), as well as American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. The weighted mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used.ResultsTen studies were eligible in this review, nine studies with 561 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences in the decrease in short-term VAS (MD=-1.56; 95% CI -2.82 to -0.30), and increase in CMS (MD=16.48; 95% CI 12.57 to 20.40), and SPADI (MD=-18.78 95% CI -36.55 to -1.02). Nonetheless, no long-term effect was observed on pain and function, except CMS (MD=24.30). The results of mean important differences (MIDs) reached the minimal clinically important differences, except ASES. For subgroup analysis, short-term VAS scores were decreased in PRP-treated patients with double centrifugation (MD=-1.99), single injection (MD=-0.71) and post-injection rehabilitation (MD=-1.59).ConclusionPRP-treated patients with PTRCs and rotator cuff tendinopathy demonstrated improvements in pain and function, although the effect may not last for a long time. Overall, our results suggest that PRP may have positive clinical outcomes, but limited data, and study heterogeneity hinder firm conclusions.
Editorial Commentary: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Demonstrates Improved Healing When Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Incorporated into Double Row Rotator Cuff Repairs: More of the Same or Something New?