A comparative study of platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections in the management of partial thickness rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff disease (RCD) affects over 60% of individuals above 80 years. Partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) cause persistent pain and functional limitation. Corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief but risk tendon degeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), enriched with TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF and EGF, promotes tendon regeneration and may offer durable benefit. Methods: Prospective comparative study over 20 months (June 2023–February 2025). Forty-four patients (22 per group) with USG/MRI-confirmed PTRCTs were assigned to Group A (corticosteroid: triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg) or Group B (autologous PRP via MyCells System). Outcomes assessed using VAS (pain), ASES score (function) and shoulder goniometry at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Chi-square test used; p<0.05 considered significant Results: Both groups had moderate pain at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, 36.4% of PRP patients improved to mild pain; all corticosteroid patients retained moderate pain. At 12 weeks, 100% of PRP patients had mild pain versus 63.6% moderate and 36.4% severe in the corticosteroid group (p<0.001). ASES score was 'better' in 100% of PRP patients versus 'good' in corticosteroid patients (p<0.001). USG confirmed tendon regeneration in 100% of PRP patients; persistent tear was noted in 100% of corticosteroid patients. Conclusions: PRP is superior to corticosteroids for PTRCTs, offering better long-term pain relief, functional outcomes and sonographic tendon regeneration. PRP should be considered a preferred regenerative treatment for partial thickness rotator cuff tears.