Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing for Healing after Arthroscopic Cuff Repair Compared with Surgery Alone

Background: Rotator cuff tears are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often requiring arthroscopic repair to restore tendon integrity and shoulder function. Despite advances in surgical techniques, re‑tear rates and incomplete tendon healing remain significant clinical challenges. Platelet‑rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentration of platelets containing growth factors and bioactive proteins, has been proposed as a biological adjunct to enhance tendon healing following rotator cuff repair. However, the optimal dosing and clinical effectiveness of PRP compared with surgery alone remain unclear. Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review of randomized controlled trials and clinical studies examining the effects of PRP dosing on tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Relevant literature published between ۲۰۰۵ and ۲۰۲۵ was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair who received PRP augmentation at different doses or preparation protocols, compared with control groups receiving surgery alone. Primary outcomes included tendon healing rates, structural integrity assessed through imaging, and functional shoulder scores. Secondary outcomes included pain levels and postoperative recovery. Results: Evidence from the reviewed studies suggests that PRP augmentation may improve certain healing outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, although results remain inconsistent across studies. Some trials report improved tendon integrity, reduced re‑tear rates, and enhanced early healing when PRP is applied during surgery. However, other studies show minimal or no significant differences compared with surgery alone. Variability in PRP preparation methods, platelet concentration, dosing protocols, and application techniques appears to contribute to inconsistent findings. Conclusion: PRP may offer potential benefits as a biological adjunct for enhancing tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but current evidence remains inconclusive regarding optimal dosing and clinical effectiveness. Standardization of PRP preparation and dosing protocols, along with well‑designed randomized controlled trials, is needed to clarify its therapeutic role in rotator cuff repair.

کلیدواژه ها:

Platelet‑Rich Plasma ، Rotator Cuff Repair ، Tendon Healing ، Arthroscopic Surgery