Platelet-rich plasma for de Quervain's tenosynovitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is used as an alternative non-operative management for de Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) to regenerate tendon healing.

Aim: To assess and conclude the research-based study systematically to analyse the efficacy of PRP on DQT.

Methods: This systematic review used the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the guideline of preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was applied to 11 databases. The authors assessed the study quality and risk of bias of each included study. Results of the meta-analysis were presented using mean difference (MD)/standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: The authors evaluated 275 studies found in the literature search; 12 studies met the criteria for this review, and then the study quality and risk of bias were assessed. Pooled analysis of data from two studies involving 194 subjects with DQT showed that, compared with conservative treatment, PRP injection was associated with a greater reduction in visual analog scale pain in one month and six months after treatment (MD: -0.67, value < 0.00001; MD: -1.16, value < 0.00001) and the increase of Mayo's wrist score in one month and six months after treatment (SMD: 3.72, value < 0.00001; SMD: 4.44, value < 0.00001).

Conclusion: PRP can be used as an alternative non-operative treatment for DQT due to the tissue regenerative effect of PRP.