OE Journal

ORIGINAL ANALYSIS

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Versus Control for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Powered by OE M.I.N.D.

With interest in biologic therapies growing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising intervention for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Across the RCTs available in OE M.I.N.D., PRP generally showed an advantage over placebo or dry needling once patients moved beyond the first few weeks, especially for broader composite outcomes like ASES, SPADI, and WORC. Pain improvement also favoured PRP from just over 3 weeks to about 6 months, although early pain changes and longer-term results were similar to control. Importantly, PRP appeared safe—none of the studies reported serious adverse events. Ongoing trials remain limited, but most published work consistently reports VAS pain and 12-month follow-up, and industry involvement has been led by companies like Zimmer-Biomet, Arthrex, and Regen Lab.