Platelet-Rich Products Can Have Variable Effects on Outcomes After Arthroscopic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

In 30 seconds

This meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials assessed platelet-rich products as augmentation during arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Overall, platelet-rich products significantly reduced retear rates and improved Constant, visual analog scale, and University of California, Los Angeles scores compared with controls (P < .05), but did not significantly affect American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Subgroup analyses found outcome differences by product characteristics and application method. The authors judged the clinical significance of the overall improvements to be limited.

Key findings

• Across 15 trials, platelet-rich products significantly reduced retear rates and improved Constant, visual analog scale, and University of California, Los Angeles scores (P < .05).
• American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores did not differ significantly with platelet-rich product augmentation.
• Lower retear rates were reported in subgroups using products with poor leukocytes (P < .0001), higher platelet concentrations (P = .0005), liquid form (P = .0005), or platelet-rich plasma type (P < .0001).

Why it matters

The findings suggest that platelet-rich augmentation may affect structural and some functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair, while effects vary across measured scores and product subgroups. The authors note that the overall improvements may not be clinically meaningful, so statistical differences should not be assumed to translate into important patient benefit.

What to keep in mind

The meta-analysis combined trials using different platelet-rich products and application approaches; subgroup findings may therefore not establish which formulation or method is most effective.