Hyaluronate acid plus platelet-rich plasma is superior to steroids for pain relief less than 6 months using injection therapy of partial rotator cuff tears: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We conducted our network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the steroid injections to other injectable therapies in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed until October 25, 2021 in three databases (CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE). Eligible studies compared the efficacy of steroid, hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the combination of HA and PRP (HA+PRP), and adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC) in RC tears. The primary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant Murley Score (CMS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. Using paired and network meta-analysis, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: We included a total of seven articles in the quantitative synthesis. In shorter periods, the HA+PRP combination was superior to the other substances we investigated (HA+PRP: VAS (0-4 weeks): MD: -0.99 [CI = -1.62, -0.36]; CMS (0-3 months): 20.56 [CI = 16.18, 24.94]. This combination was followed by the use of HA or PRP alone, depending on the duration of follow-up and the outcome being studied. In our study, short-term results suggest that saline is superior to steroids for partial tears, but this trend is reversed at six-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the combination of HA and PRP to be a more effective therapeutic option for partial RC ruptures for short terms, but there is no significant difference after 6 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, Included of Level of Evidence studies I-II.