Effects of Local Infiltration of Autologous Platelet Supernatant in Supraspinatus Tendinopathies

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in promoting healing of rotator cuff tendinopathies over short term by evaluating pain, range of motion (ROM) using Constant–Murley score (CMS). Design: This prospective, cohort study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at a tertiary care teaching hospital between December 2013 and April 2015. Patients with supraspinatus tendinopathies (partial tear) based on either ultrasonography (USG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study. Patients with complete rotator cuff tear were excluded. Materials and methods: Thirty consecutive patients with supraspinatus tendinopathies were administered subacromial injections of PRP. Platelet-rich plasma was made from 20 mL of patient's blood after subjecting it to two centrifugal spins and injected into the supraspinatus tendon. All patients were evaluated at the end of 3 months. Results: Shoulder function was assessed by CMS in present study. Mean score at baseline was 33.87 ± 5.91. After 1 and 3 months, significant reduction in CMS was found with mean score of 27.80 ± 5.17 at 1 month (p < 0.0001) and 21.93 ± 6.17 at 3 months (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in score at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.0001). At 6, 12, and 17 months, the CMS was still significantly low but there was no difference in scores when compared with scores at 3 months. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma injection for supraspinatus tendinopathies gives good results at the end of 3 months.