TDNet Discover

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint occurring due to overuse leading to abnormal tendon structure. Those with tendinopathy clinically present with localized pain, fatigability, and decreased function secondary to failure of regeneration. Left untreated, RCT can lead to further complications. Corticosteroid injections are currently a common part of tendinopathy clinical management for their analgesic properties. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are being considered [instead of corticosteroids] as an adjunctive treatment due to their revascularization properties and possibility of directly targeting tendinopathy’s degenerative pathology. Purpose: This research sought to identify the best adjunctive therapy for RCT to address patient symptoms. Specifically, it investigated whether PRP injections should be recommended over corticosteroids as an injectable adjunctive therapy. Methods: This investigation consisted of an evidence-based clinical review (EBCR) utilizing 3 separate studies. Assessment and data extraction tools ensured that the quality of these studies met the standards set forth by the researchers. Focus was placed on comparison of improvement in pain and functional status secondary to RCT in those treated with either corticosteroids or PRP. Results: PRP injections indicated significantly better improvement in pain and functionality over corticosteroids at the 3-month follow-up in all 3 studies selected. One of the 3 studies found no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the treatment groups at 12 months postintervention. Conclusion: There is not substantial enough evidence to recommend PRP as adjunctive therapy over corticosteroids in the treatment of RCT. The studies investigated show promising results for 5 PRP injections; however, more investigation into short- vs long-term effects of injections, tendon revascularization status, and standardization of formulation and outcome assessment are recommended for further research. Additionally, augmentation in quality and size of the research availability would be beneficial overall.