Abstract
Aim To determine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for symptomatic tendinopathy.
Results: A total of 16 randomised controlled trials (18 groups) of PRP versus control were included. Median sample size was 35 patients, a study size that would require an effect size ≥1.0 to achieve statistical significance. PRP was more efficacious than control in reducing tendinopathy pain, with an effect size of 0.47 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.72, p<0.001), signifying a moderate treatment effect. Heterogeneity among studies was moderate (I2=67%, p<0.001). In subgroup analysis and meta-regression, studies with a higher proportion of female patients were associated with greater treatment benefits with PRP.
Conclusions: Injection of PRP is more efficacious than control injections in patients with symptomatic tendinopathy.
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