Efficacy of Corticosteroid Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Procedure
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Shoulder tendinopathy is a common condition that causes shoulder pain and limits daily activities. It often results from damage or overuse of the rotator cuff tendons. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes injections. This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two types of injections for treating simple shoulder tendinopathy: Corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation and provide quick pain relief, but may have only short-term effects. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, a newer treatment made from the patient's own blood, which may promote long-term healing. The study is being conducted at the Rheumatology Department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia. A total of 60 adult patients with shoulder tendinopathy will be randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroid injection or a PRP injection. Participants will be evaluated before the injection (baseline), after one week, and after three months. The researchers will assess pain levels using a visual analog scale (VAS), and shoulder function using validated questionnaires (DASH and SPADI scores). The goal is to determine which treatment provides better pain relief and functional improvement over time.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Adults aged 18 years and older

• Diagnosed with simple tendinopathy of the shoulder confirmed by clinical examination and imaging

• Experiencing shoulder pain for at least 4 weeks

• Able to provide informed consent

Locations
Other Locations
Tunisia
Charles Nicolle Hospital
RECRUITING
Tunis
Contact Information
Primary
Selma Bouden, Assistant doctor
selma.bouden@gmail.com
0021624685748
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-06-30
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-11-01
Participants
Target number of participants: 60
Treatments
Experimental: Corticosteroid Injection
Participants in this arm will receive a single infiltration of corticosteroids into the affected shoulder tendon. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in tendinopathies. The injection aims to provide rapid pain relief and improve shoulder function. Patients will be monitored for pain reduction and functional improvement at one week and three months after the injection.
Experimental: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
Participants in this arm will receive a single infiltration of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) into the affected shoulder tendon. PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood and contains growth factors that may promote tissue healing and regeneration. This treatment aims to provide longer-term pain relief and functional improvement. Patients will be evaluated for pain and shoulder function at one week and three months following the injection.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Hopital Charles Nicolle

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov