The Clinical Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection
Therapy versus Different Control Groups for
Chronic Low Back Pain: A Network Meta-Analysis of
Randomized Controlled Trials
Update on the Use of Platelet-Rich
Plasma Injections in the Management
of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Conclusion: This study demonstrated better short-term improvement of chronic low back pain with CS after 4 weeks. PRP and RF
improvement effects matched, but follow-up of at least 6 months showed that PRP seemed to be more advantageous in improvement in
disability indices. Considering the limitations of this study, these conclusions still need to be verified by more comparative RCTs and
a longer follow-up period.
Results: Of the 853 studies initially screened, 32 were included in this review. There were 13 studies that investigated the effects
of PRP on the management of rotator cuff injuries; 7 studies that investigated PRP in conjunction with arthroscopy found no
significant difference between PRP groups and controls, while 5 of 6 studies that investigated nonsurgical management showed
positive results for PRP. Eight studies investigated various tendinopathies; of these, 2 studies demonstrated positive results for
PRP in Achilles and gluteal tendinopathy management. Six studies examined PRP in acute soft tissue injuries, with 2 of these
reporting significant improvements in recovery time for hamstring injuries and 1 study showing positive results for ankle ligament
injuries. Two studies looked at acute rupture of soft tissues and found no benefit to PRP use. Two studies investigated PRP
injections for chronic plantar fasciitis, and both reported positive results in pain and function with PRP. Finally, 1 study evaluated
the effects of PRP on meniscal injuries and reported significant improvement in the healing rate and a decreased need for
surgical repair.