Platelet Releasate and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Treatment of a Partial Supraspinatus Tear in an Adolescent Baseball Player.

Abstract

Supraspinatus tears are a common injury, particularly among athletes who engage in sports that include repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball players. Standard conservative therapies include rest and activity modification, physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cold/heat therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Ongoing research and anecdotal evidence support using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for supraspinatus/rotator cuff tears. Platelet releasate is obtained from PRP via the activation of platelets, subsequently releasing bioactive substances. Activation can be achieved through various methods, some of which include the addition of calcium chloride, thrombin, or exposure to low-level lasers. Platelet releasate has the potential to assist in the healing of tears by releasing growth factors that facilitate muscle and tendon repair. This case presentation discusses the outcomes of platelet releasate paired with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of a partial-thickness supraspinatus tear in an 18-year-old male baseball athlete. After exploring conservative treatment options, the patient opted for a single platelet releasate injection along with a four-part series with ESWT. Four weeks post-procedure, the patient reported a 25% improvement. He was able to fully return to play for the entire baseball season. Although the effectiveness of platelet releasate is still a topic of debate and further investigation, this case demonstrates how platelet releasate shows promising results in accelerating the treatment recovery for a partial supraspinatus tear. Further investigation and research could support the benefit of this procedure for accelerated recovery of injuries compared to PRP.