USE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN THE TREATMENT OF ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES: REVIEW OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Rotator cuff injuries occur due to overuse of the shoulder joint, trauma or age-related degeneration, and are aggravated by subacromial lesions and anatomical factors. Symptoms include persistent pain, reduced range of motion and muscle weakness, compromising patients' quality of life. Treatment can be conservative or surgical, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as an alternative to speed up healing and reduce inflammation. The objective was to review the literature on the use of PRP in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries. Clinical trials published in the last 5 years and available in the PUBMED database were selected, based on the following search strategy: (platelet[title] AND rich[title] AND plasma[title]) AND (rotator[title] AND cuff[title]). The 13 studies that responded to the initial search were included in the sample that made up this review. PRP has been shown to be a promising alternative for treating rotator cuff injuries, especially in terms of short-term pain and function. However, its long-term efficacy and its comparison with corticosteroids are still a matter of debate. Therefore, the choice of treatment should be personalized, taking into account the characteristics and goals of each patient. <b><i>Level of Evidence IV; Evidence from Descriptive (Non-Experimental) Studies or with a Qualitative Approach.</i></b>