Shoulder injection of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroids in rotator cuff tendinopathies
Authors' conclusion
Corticosteroids were more effective for pain reduction at 3 months, while PRP provided equivalent functional improvement.
Study context
- Population
- Chronic, non-ruptured rotator cuff tendinopathies (mean age 62.3 ± 8.3 years; 84.6% female)
- Participants
- 52 participants
- Comparison
- Corticosteroid vs platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shoulder injection
- Corticosteroidn = 26
- PRPn = 26
Methodological detailsprospective
- Prospective
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Pain reduction (ΔVAS) · 3 months
Corticosteroid
3.35
PRP
1.75
P = 0.02
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Pain reduction · 1 week | P = 0.49 |
Pain reduction · 1 week
- Comparable between groups
Function (QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI))
- Similar between groups; non-significant trend favouring corticosteroids for QuickDASH, not confirmed by multivariate analysis
Safety
Post-injection pain · mild and transient
Local oedema · mild and transient
Original publication
Shoulder injection of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroids in rotator cuff tendinopathies. Scand J Rheumatol. Published 18 March 2026. doi:10.
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