Ongoing Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma vs Corticosteroid Injection in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Prospective Randomized Assessor-blind Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The primary objective of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for management of adhesive capsulitis and compare the clinical outcome with injection of corticosteroid. Materials and methods: A total of 120 patients were randomized into PRP (group I) or steroid (group II) group. Patients were assigned to receive a single injection of 1% lidocaine with either methylprednisolone (steroid) or PRP. All patients were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the index procedure. The shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to evaluate the clinical results. Data were analyzed with a paired t test. The level of significance was considered as p < 0.05. Results: The efficiency of PRP injection was better and sustained than steroid. In PRP group, mean pain scale, mean disability, and total SPADI scores were almost linearly improved, while the scores increased to a higher level at the final follow-up visit compared with that post 1 and 3 months in the steroid group (p < 0.05). No major adverse complications were noted. Conclusion: In the current randomized, single-center, prospective preliminary study, results indicate that treating adhesive capsulitis with PRP injections is safe and has the potential to reduce pain and improve the functional outcome. The PRP injection had a more prolonged efficiency than steroid injections. Clinical significance: The PRP injections are safe and valuable therapeutic modality to alleviate the symptoms in subjects with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.