Subacromial injection of platelet-rich plasma shown to provide greater improvement in pain and function in comparison to corticosteroid.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has garnered attention as a treatment option for rotator cuff tendinopathy, though its efficacy remains a subject of ongoing research. PRP works by delivering concentrated platelets and growth factors directly to the injured tendon, aiming to promote tissue healing.
Recent studies on PRP for rotator cuff tendinopathy, including partial thickness tears, show mixed results. Some evidence suggests PRP may improve tendon healing, particularly in partial tears, and can be an alternative to corticosteroid injections.
For instance, one recent double blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 100 patients comparing efficacy of subacromial PRP vs. Corticosteroid injection with clinical/MRI confirmed supraspinatus tendinopathy. The study demonstrated superior and sustained pain relieving and functional outcomes with PRP over corticosteroid injections.
Rossi LA, Brandariz R, Gorodischer T, Camino P, Piuzzi N, Tanoira I, Ranalletta M. Subacromial injection of platelet-rich plasma provides greater improvement in pain and functional outcomes compared to corticosteroids at 1-year follow-up: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024 Aug 3:S1058-2746(24)00544-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.06.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39098382.