Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Surgery for the Management of Recalcitrant Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors
Walker-Santiago R, Wojnowski NM, Lall AC, Maldonado DR, Rabe SM, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.09.044
Background
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of hip pain. This study compares two treatment options—platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and surgery—when physical therapy fails.
Methods
The authors reviewed studies comparing the outcomes of PRP and surgery for treating recalcitrant GTPS. They assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and complications in 94 patients treated with PRP and 185 patients treated with surgery.
Key Findings
Both PRP and surgery led to significant improvements in pain and function. PRP showed larger improvements, but surgery had a moderate effect.
Surgery had a higher risk of complications, such as re-tearing and venous thrombosis, while PRP had no major complications.
Conclusions
PRP is a safe and effective alternative for treating GTPS when physical therapy fails, and it may be a less invasive option compared to surgery, which carries more risks.
What Does This Mean for Patients
If you have GTPS that hasn't improved with physical therapy, PRP injections could be an option. If surgery is necessary, endoscopic surgery is safer than the open approach.