Comparative study of corticosteroid injections and platelet rich plasma in the treatment of patients with shoulder tendinopathy compare sonographic findings

In Rheumatology clinic, patients with shoulder pain would be assessed clinically and paraclinically in order to confirm the rotator cuff or biceps tendinopathy. The patients would be referred to the sports medicine clinic and would be divided in two groups randomly; Platelet rich Plasma and corticosteroid injection groups. The platelet rich plasma group is injected twice within a month. In this group, 20 ml of venous blood was taken by centrifuges Selex protocol RCF, blood samples from the men with the 1800 and 2000 cycles and women with 1600 and 2000 cycle. Plasma rich platelets are separated after adding calcium gluconate 10% cc platelet concentrate obtained under ultrasound Guide, in collaboration with a radiologist and a sports medicine specialist in the area of sub-45 degree lateral Acromion is injected (based on Sonographic Guide). The injection for corticosteroid group, however, is applied once or twice within a month based on the Rheumatologist decision. At the baseline, after four weeks and also eight weeks after intervention, all the studies including pain, range of motion, function, and Sonographic findings changes are evaluated and compared with the data which is recorded before intervention. Assessment of clinical sing such as pain (based on VAS measurement), shoulder range of motion and its function is occurred. Moreover, musculoskeletal sonography is applied by two clinician experts. These (findings are) recorded and compared. Considering the significant level 20 SD = 05/0 and test in 8/0, a sample of 32 patients per group is needed. Due to the possible data missing, 35 patients in each group are considered for this study.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences