Publication:

A prospective randomized comparative study of platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Background Adhesive capsulitis is a fibro-inflammatory condition causing progressive pain and stiffness. Corticosteroid injections offer rapid short-term symptom relief, while Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is emerging as a regenerative biological therapy option. This study compares the effectiveness of single intra-articular PRP versus single long-acting corticosteroid injection in adhesive capsulitis.

Methods A prospective randomized comparative study involving 50 patients with primary adhesive capsulitis was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A received 20 mg intra-articular triamcinolone hexacetonide and group B received a single PRP injection prepared using the double-spin method. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oxford shoulder score (OSS) at baseline, 4,8 and 12 weeks.

Results Both treatments improved pain and function significantly. The corticosteroid injection produced faster early improvement at 4 weeks. PRP showed superior improvement at 8 and 12 weeks, with final mean VAS of 0.9 (PRP) vs 2.1 (steroid) and OSS of 49.7 (PRP) vs 45.1 (steroid). Range of motion (ROM) improvements were also better in the PRP group.

Conclusions Corticosteroids provide rapid short-term relief, while PRP yields better mid-term and overall functional recovery. PRP may be considered a superior long-term treatment option for adhesive capsulitis.