The efficacy of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a
systematic review and meta-analysis
Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of oral non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for rotator cuff tendinopathy.
DESIGN: Systematic review.
Method: A literature search was conducted in 4 databases for randomized controlled trials published
until 05/2013, comparing the efficacy of oral anti-inflammatory drugs to any other intervention.
Studies characteristics were extracted using a standardized form and the methodological quality was
evaluated. Results were summarized qualitatively or quantitatively.
RESULTS: The mean methodological score of the 12 included studies was 53.6 ± 8.8%. The majority
of studies included acute cases and were underpowered to detect differences in adverse events.
Compared to a placebo, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were found to provide short-term
pain relief (pooled mean difference: -2.69; 95% confidence interval: -1.96 to -3.41) but not function.
Oral anti-inflammatory- drugs and corticosteroids injections have similar short-term efficacy in terms
of pain reduction as well as in function (pooled standardized mean difference: 0.09; 95% confidence
interval: -0.25 to 0.44).
CONCLUSION: Low to moderate grade evidence exists regarding the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in
reducing short-term pain but not function. In terms of pain and function, oral anti-inflammatory drugs
in the short term are as effective as corticosteroid injections.