Abstract
Objectives To compare the effects of single intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid (CS) injections in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder. DESIGN:Patients aged 18-70 years of either sex, diagnosed with AC of shoulder, with < 6 months duration were included. In IA-CS (control) group, 30 patients received single injection (4ml) of IA-CS and in IA-PRP (test) group, 30 patients received single IA-PRP injection (4ml) into the GH joint under ultrasound guidance. All patients were prospectively followed for 12 weeks. RESULTS:28 patients in IA-PRP group and 27 in IA-CS group finished the entire 12 week study period. At 12 weeks, decrements in VAS and total SPADI scores, in IA-PRP group were 58.4 and 55.1, compared to 48.7 and 45.8 in IA-CS group. In ROM, IA-PRP group showed significant improvement in passive abduction, internal and external rotations compared to IA-CS group (-50.4 versus -39.4), (-36.8 versus -25.8), (-35.4 versus -25.9) respectively. No major complications were observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONS:At 12 week follow up, a single dose of IA-PRP injection was found to be more effective than an IA-CS injection, in terms of improving pain, disability, and shoulder ROM in patients with AC of the shoulder.