Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

The goal of this study is to investigate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are effective in the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC). A triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was designed and conducted in a medical school hospital.

32 adult patients with adhesive capsulitis (21 female, 11 male with a mean age of 57, ranging from 23 to 70) were included in this study. Patients had to have shoulder pain and restrictions in movements (at least 25% when compared to the other side, and at least in two directions) for three months minimum and nine months maximum. Patients were randomized to two groups, and one group took PRP injections for three times every two weeks, while the other group took saline injections in same frequency and volume. A standardized exercise program was also applied to all patients. Patients were evaluated with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analogue Scales for pain and disability, ranges of movements, and use of analgesics in before, after, and third month after the initiation of the therapy.

Baseline comparisons between groups showed no differences. SPADI and ranges of motion in all directions showed significant improvements with therapy, and the group which took PRP injections showed better improvements when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Visual Analogue Scale was found to be better for the PRP group after therapy and third month, and not for the control group (0.4 ± 1.06 and 0.17 ± 0.72 vs. 2.5 ± 2.6 and 2 ± 2.2, respectively, p < 0.05). Use of analgesics was not found to be significant for both groups (p > 0.05).

PRP injections were found to be effective in both pain and disability, and showed improvements in a restricted shoulder due to adhesive capsulitis. These findings might point out PRP as a therapeutic option in the management of adhesive capsulitis.