Comparison of the Efficiency of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid Injection Therapies in Improving Pain and Shoulder Functions in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Conservative treatment is the primary treatment modality for subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS),which includes rest, lifestyle changes, injections, strengthening the muscles around the scapula, ultrasound, and physical therapy modalities. While most patients who have received corticosteroid injections have reported recurrent symptoms, it was observed that there were no long-term effects and many complications were reported. Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) has recently attracted attention due to its many growth factors and proteins. In the current study, it was aimedto evaluate and compare the pain and functional effects of PRP and corticosteroid injections, which are among the SISconservative treatment methods.Methods: Of 114 patients who were conservatively treated via the subacromial injection method, 83 patients who metthe study criteria were included. Demographic data of the patients, such as age, gender, and the affected part, werecollected. The PRP and corticosteroid injection method applied to the subacromial space were recorded. The VisualAnalog Scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley Score (CMS) were used to evaluate the pain and functional effects at the timeof admission (pre-injection), and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection.Results: The VAS value of the PRP group at 1 month post-injection was higher than that in the corticosteroid group,while the 6-month post-injection value was lower. Althought he CMS values of the PRP group at 3 and 6 months postinjection were higher than those in the corticosteroid group, the 1-month post-injection value was lower than that inthe corticosteroid group.Conclusion: It can be said that the pain of the patients was reduced and their joint functions were increased as a resultof the PRP and corticosteroid injection treatments. Although corticosteroid was more effective than the PRP in theshort term, it was observed that PRP was more effective in the long term