The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Systematic Review With Limited Meta-Analysis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a painful wrist condition that impairs daily activities. Corticosteroid (CS) injections are commonly used for symptom relief, but their effects may diminish over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a regenerative alternative that promotes tissue healing rather than merely suppressing inflammation. This systematic review and limited meta-analysis compare the efficacy and safety of PRP versus CS injections in DQT. A limited meta-analysis was chosen due to the high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 98.7%).

A comprehensive literature search identified six studies comparing PRP and CS injections. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Mayo Wrist Score (MWS). Statistical significance was analyzed, with follow-up durations ranging from 2 weeks to one year. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane and ROBINS-I tools.

Both PRP and CS significantly reduced pain; however, PRP provided superior long-term relief. The VAS scores improved in all studies, with PRP showing significantly greater reduction at 6 months (p < 0.001). A study also found better QuickDASH-9 scores in PRP-treated patients (p < 0.01). The PRP had fewer complications than CS p=0.026, reinforcing its safety advantage.

The PRP and CS effectively reduce pain, but preliminary evidence suggests PRP may offer longer-lasting symptom relief than corticosteroids; however, findings are limited by small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and low certainty of evidence. Further high-quality trials with standardized PRP protocols are warranted.