Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection versus steroids injection for pain relief in partial rotator cuff tears

Figures & data

Figure 1. Flowchart for study methodology.

Figure 2. Ultrasound-guided sub acromial bursa injection. The blue arrow indicates the tendon tear and the red dot indicates the needle tip.

Figure 3. Comparison between both groups according to VAS score.

Table 1. Demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions and laterality.

Steroid group		PRP group	p-value
Number (n)	30	30
Age	52.17 ± 12.49	53.77 ± 12.44	0.621
Sex M/F	14/16	12/18	0.602
Comrbidities;
DM	8	11	0.405
HTN	10	12	0.592
Laterality (Rt:Lt)	18:12	16:14	0.602

Values are presented as mean ± SD or number (percentage). DM (diabetes mellitus), HTN (hypertension)

Table 2. Comparison within and between the two studied groups according to simple shoulder test at baseline and follow-up.

ASSES (%)	Steroid Group	P0	PRP Group	p0	P-value
Baseline	77.33 ± 11.28		78.83 ± 13.04		0.635
2 weeks	83.0 ± 11.26	<0.001	80.83 ± 11.53	0.465	0.245
4 weeks	83.0 ± 11.34	<0.001	84.50 ± 9.94	0.588	0.001
6 weeks	84.67 ± 11.14	<0.001	90.0 ± 9.47	0.049	<0.001
8 weeks	81.17 ± 11.87	0.211	93.33 ± 6.61	<0.001	<0.001
12 weeks	73.0 ± 11.42	0.045	96.50 ± 5.11	<0.001	<0.001
4 months	70.83 ± 11.60	<0.001	98.0 ± 4.07	<0.001	<0.001

SD: Standard deviation.

p: p value for comparing between the two studied groups in each period.

p₀: p value for Post Hoc test (adjusted Bonferroni) for ANOVA with repeated measures for comparison between before and each other period.

*: Statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05.

Table 3. Comparison between the two studied groups according to failure rate after injection, and complications after injection.

	Steroid Group	PRP Group	P-value
Failure rate after injection %	20.0	3.3	0.103
Elevated blood sugar%	36.7	0.0	<0.001
Pain after injection%	20.0	43.3	0.052