title: Are platelet concentrates an ideal biomaterial for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of Level I evidence studies to investigate the efficacy of concomitant platelet concentrate (PC) used in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of PC augmentation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs for patients with full-thickness tears. The search strategy followed the requirements in the Cochrane Library Handbook. The primary outcome was retearing of the rotator cuff. Functional outcomes were analyzed in terms of Constant score, specific Constant pain score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven studies with a total of 417 patients available at the latest follow-up reporting data about retears were analyzed in this meta-analysis. However, 4 studies with Constant scores (n = 237), 3 studies with UCLA scores (n = 168), 2 studies with Constant pain scores (n = 164), 2 studies with ASES scores (n = 101), and 2 studies with SST scores (n = 121) were analyzed. The retear rates and functional scores showed that there was no significant efficacy of PC application in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This meta-analysis of high-level evidence suggests that PCs have no benefit regarding retear rate and overall clinical outcomes for the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level II, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Xue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Chang-Peng
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yi-Long
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Jin-Qi
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Zhuang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: 151961353@qq.com.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001792:Blood Platelets; D006801:Humans; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials