Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in musculoskeletal conditions and orthopaedic surgery ranging from clinic-based injections for tendinopathies to intra-operative application to augment soft-tissue healing. It has been used in knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, elbow epicondylitis, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, shoulder impingement syndrome and various tendinopathies to date, with an expanding list of indications. While available evidence supports the use of PRP in the management of lateral epicondylitis and knee osteoarthritis, there is limited clinically significant evidence for other indications Aim of the Work This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for primary and secondary shoulder osteoarthritis pain. Patients and Methods A prospective, double-blinded randomized control study in Ain Shams University Hospitals from 3 to 6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups using computerized generated randomization. The control group received 5 ml 0.9% saline injection in the intra-articular shoulder (between glenohumeral joint). The study group received 5 ml of PRP treatment. Results The study results showed: All demographic data (age, sex, weight and BMI) and chronic diseases were insignificantly different between both groups, all medical data (chronic diseases, type of osteoarthritis, severity of symptoms, time of symptoms, radiological finding and type of treatment) were insignificantly different between both groups, NRS was significantly lower in study group compared to control group at ―2nd evaluation post injection|| and was insignificantly different between both groups at ―1st evaluation post injection||. (P < 0.05), range of movement was insignificantly different between both groups at 2nd evaluation post injection and injection related complications (inflammation and infection) were insignificantly different between both groups. Conclusion In general, efficacy was observed in treatment with PRP alone in shoulder osteoarthritis. However, patients receiving PRP treatment are less likely to experience post-injection pain and are more likely to recover faster when compared to patients receiving saline alone.