Platelet-Rich Plasma – Does it Work for Rotator Cuff Tears ?

Interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for rotator cuff tears continues to expand, yet the evidence remains uncertain. Across non-operative trials, early pain outcomes showed little meaningful change, with a modest signal emerging only later and based on very limited data. In surgical repair, PRP as an adjunct offered no clear advantage through the early months, and a small reported benefit at one year disappeared once higher-risk studies were excluded. Overall certainty across analyses was consistently very low, reflecting methodological limitations and substantial variability. Current findings suggest that any effect of PRP in this setting remains unproven and underscores the need for larger, well-designed trials before routine use can be justified.