Are platelet concentrates an ideal biomaterial for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: The present study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of Level I evidence studies to investigate the efficacy of concomitant platelet concentrate (PC) used in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of PC augmentation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs for patients with full-thickness tears. The search strategy followed the requirements in the Cochrane Library Handbook. The primary outcome was retearing of the rotator cuff. Functional outcomes were analyzed in terms of Constant score, specific Constant pain score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.

Results: Seven studies with a total of 417 patients available at the latest follow-up reporting data about retears were analyzed in this meta-analysis. However, 4 studies with Constant scores (n = 237), 3 studies with UCLA scores (n = 168), 2 studies with Constant pain scores (n = 164), 2 studies with ASES scores (n = 101), and 2 studies with SST scores (n = 121) were analyzed. The retear rates and functional scores showed that there was no significant efficacy of PC application in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis of high-level evidence suggests that PCs have no benefit regarding retear rate and overall clinical outcomes for the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Level Of Evidence: Level II, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.