The Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized controlled trial examining platelet rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection in partial thickness rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy.

We performed a randomized controlled trial on patients with imaging-shown rotator cuff tendinopathy or partial thickness tearing. Patients were randomized to receive either platelet rich plasma or corticosteroid. Follow-up was done at 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months following injection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >18 years
• MRI or US evidence of supraspinatus tendinopathy or partial thickness tearing
• symptomatic for minimum of 3 months
• patient has exhausted a course of adequate conservative treatment (including but not limited to home/out patient physical therapy, oral analgesics, and/or shoulder injections)

Exclusion Criteria:

• prior surgical intervention on affected shoulder
• full thickness rotator cuff tear
• concomitant ipsilateral shoulder pathology (i.e. osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis)
• confounding cervical neck pain or radiculopathy
• more than 3 previous CS injections
• a CS injection within 6 months of study intervention
• elite level athlete
• worker's compensation case
• litigation or secondary gain issues
• unwilling or unable to provide informed consent or complete study outcomes