Published online Jul 18, 2023. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i7.505
Peer-review started: January 31, 2023
First decision: March 28, 2023
Revised: April 11, 2023
Accepted: May 15, 2023
Article in press: May 15, 2023
Published online: July 18, 2023
Processing time: 167 Days and 21.1 Hours
Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, and rotator cuff (RC) pathologies are one of the main causes. The RC undergoes various tendinopathic and avascular changes during the aging process. Other degenerative changes affecting its healing potential make it an appealing target for biological agents. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated the potential to deliver a high concentration of several growth factors and anti-inflammatory mediators, and its clinical use is mainly supported by experiments that demonstrated its positive effect on muscle, ligaments, and tendinous cells. This review aimed to specify the role of PRP and its future applications in RC tendinopathies based on the current clinical evidence. Due to the different characteristics and conflicting outcomes, clinicians should use PRP with moderate expectations until more consistent evidence is available. However, it is reasonable to consider PRP in patients with contraindications to corticosteroid injections or those with risk factors for inadequate healing. Its autologous origin makes it a safe treatment, and its characteristics make it a promising option for treating RC tendinopathy, but the efficacy has yet to be established.
Core Tip: Platelet-rich plasma may be a promising treatment option for rotator cuff tendinopathy, but more consistent evidence is needed to establish its effectiveness. Therefore, clinicians should approach its use with moderate expectations and consider it a potential treatment option for patients who cannot receive corticosteroid injections or have risk factors for poor healing.