A recent randomized controlled trial (Tanpowpong et al., 2023) investigated 29 patients with symptomatic partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon who had failed ≥3 months of conservative treatment. Participants were randomized to receive either an ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the tear or a steroid injection into the subacromial space. The tear size was evaluated with an MRI before and 6 months after the injection, while their functional changes were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES).
Results:
- The PRP group showed significant tendon healing on follow up MRI, with average tear size reduction of ~3 mm.
- The steroid group did not show significant healing or reduction in tear size on MRI
- Both groups showed improvements in shoulder function at 6 months, but the PRP group showed significantly better improvement.
Key Takeaway:
PRP offers a non-surgical solution for partial rotator cuff tears that do not improve with conservative care — achieving measurable tendon healing where steroids only provide temporary symptom relief.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, all PRP procedures use highly concentrated, laboratory-processed biologics delivered with precise ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. We work collaboratively with local physical therapy practices to pair regenerative healing with targeted rehabilitation, optimizing recovery, biomechanics, and long-term outcomes.
Reference:
Tanpowpong, T. et al., Sports Medicine – Open (2023).
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-023-00556-w