Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection To Treat Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy represents common cause of shoulder discomfort and functional disability. Despite various conservative treatment options, many patients experience persistent symptoms. PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) is recognized as promising biological therapy because of its regenerative properties. This research aimed to evaluate efficacy of PRP injections in improving discomfort and functional results in patients having rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Methods: This prospective study included 90 patients (aged 30-60 years) with MRI-confirmed rotator cuff tendinopathy that had not responded to conservative management. Every patient got single ultrasound-guided subacromial injection of 5 mL autologous PRP. Outcomes have been measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks post-injection utilizing VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for pain and SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index). Range of motion and subjective pain relief have also been assessed.

Results: Mean age of participants was 48.2 yrs, with slight female predominance (55%). Mean VAS scores showed significant improvement from 7.67±1.07 at baseline to 1.6±0.74 at 12 weeks (p<0.001). Similarly, SPADI scores decreased from 70.65±12.14 to 42.7±12.34 over the same period (p<0.001). Subjective pain relief was reported by 82.5% of patients, while 87.5% experienced improved range of motion. No significant adverse events have been observed.

Conclusion: PRP injection demonstrated significant therapeutic efficiency in reducing pain and enhancing shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Progressive improvement over twelve-week follow-up duration recommends that PRP may offer a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for patients who have not responded to conventional conservative management. More extensive randomised controlled trials with prolonged follow-up durations are essential to further validate these findings.