Clinical Results of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

Background: Frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Several treatments are utilized to reduce patients' pain and improve range of motion (ROM). Recent researches have been conducted on Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. In this study, the clinical results of PRP injection for patients with frozen shoulder was assessed. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients in phases I or II of frozen shoulder were treated with PRP. During the first session, two syringes of PRP were injected in the subacromial bursa and intra-articular space; this process was repeated after four weeks. In the second stage, PRP was injected only in the glenohumeral joint. Results: The average pre-treatment flexion was about 65°; abduction was 70°while external rotation was 22°. Also, baseline scores for VAS, DASH, and SF-12 Health Survey questionnaire were 8.4, 65.9 and 26, respectively. After 25 weeks follow-up, all patients showed significant improvement in shoulder ROM, pain, and function (p˂0.001). Patients reported 66.7% improvement in pain, 51.6% in DASH score, and 100% in SF-12 Health Survey questionnaire. They were also 65% satisfied with the treatment protocol. Conclusion: This case series study demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in patients' pain and disability outcomes following PRP injection. These results provide support for PRP as a safe treatment protocol that decreases pain and increases upper limb function. In addition, it can also improve shoulder range of motion.