Non-operative orthobiologic use for rotator cuff disorders and glenohumeral osteoarthritis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain from rotator cuff pathology and glenohumeral osteoarthritis is a common entity encountered in musculoskeletal practices. Orthobiologic agents are being increasingly used as treatment option understanding their safety efficacy necessary. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the available evidence for orthobiologic use pathology. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) prospective cohort studies evaluating non-operative with prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or medicinal signaling cells (MSCs) were included. Bias risk assessments Cochrane tool Newcastle-Ottawa score. RESULTS: The search yielded 852 potential articles, of which 20 met inclusion criteria breakdown 5 13 PRP, 2 MSC. Sixteen RCTs 4 studies. Six deemed “low bias good quality”. Efficacy results mixed, no serious adverse events reported treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Orthobiologics offer relatively safe management inconclusive against its No on criteria. Adoption standardized preparation reporting consistent functional outcome measures imperative future to consider.