2026 SLARD Annual Meeting: Plasma-Rich Plasma Does Not Improve Pain or Function in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis Compared to Placebo

6 randomized controlled trials involving 355 patients with lateral epicondylitis were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) vs placebo. Pooled outcomes included pain, function, quality of life, grip strength, adverse effects, and treatment tolerability. The pooled analysis demonstrated no significant differences between PRP and placebo for pain relief at 4, 8–12, or 24–26 weeks, and no significant improvements in functional outcomes at any assessed time point. Adverse event rates were also similar between groups. Overall, the findings suggest that PRP does not provide clinically meaningful benefits over placebo for lateral epicondylitis and do not support its routine use for this condition.