Article written by Dr. John L Ferrell III M.D
If you are struggling with a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, you may have heard of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and cortisone injections as treatment options that various healthcare professionals have offered. Both have their pros and cons, but recent research (and our experience at ROSM) suggests that PRP offers significant advantages over cortisone, particularly when it comes to reducing tear size and improving function. In this article, I wanted to break down the latest findings to help you understand why PRP may be the better choice for your shoulder injury.
The Study: Comparing PRP and Cortisone for Supraspinatus Tears
A recent study conducted by Tanpowpong et al. compared the effects of PRP injections and cortisone injections on patients with partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon. The researchers followed 29 patients over a six-month period and used MRI imaging to assess changes in tear size and improvements in shoulder function.
- Tear Size Reduction: The results showed that PRP was significantly more effective in reducing tear size. In the coronal plane, patients who received PRP had an average tear reduction of 3.39 mm, compared to only 1.10 mm in the cortisone group. In the sagittal plane, PRP reduced tear size by 2.97 mm, whereas cortisone achieved just 0.76 mm reduction.
- Functional Improvements: The study also assessed functional outcomes using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant-Murley Scores (CMS). PRP-treated patients showed significant improvements in these scores compared to those treated with cortisone, indicating better overall shoulder function and less pain.
Why PRP is Superior to Cortisone for Rotator Cuff Tears
PRP injections involve taking a sample of your own blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the injury site. These platelets contain growth factors that help promote natural healing and tissue regeneration that can be used for many injuries not just rotator cuff tear treatments. On the other hand, cortisone injections are primarily anti-inflammatory and provide temporary pain relief but do not promote healing.
Here are some of the key reasons why PRP may be a better option than cortisone for treating partial rotator cuff tears:
- Promotes Healing: PRP works by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes, helping to repair damaged tissue and reduce tear size. This is a critical advantage, as reducing tear size can prevent the condition from worsening and avoid the need for surgery.
- Long-Lasting Relief: While cortisone can provide short-term pain relief, the effects tend to fade, often requiring multiple injections. PRP, however, offers long-term improvements by addressing the root cause of the pain rather than just masking it.
- Lower Risk of Tendon Damage: Repeated cortisone injections can weaken the tendon over time, increasing the risk of tendon rupture. PRP is derived from your own body, making it a natural and safer option without the risk of long-term tendon damage.
What This Means for Patients with Rotator Cuff Tears
The findings of this study are promising for patients looking for effective, minimally invasive treatments for rotator cuff tears. PRP therapy offers an opportunity to heal the tear, improve shoulder function, and reduce pain without the risks associated with surgery or repeated cortisone injections. It’s important to note that PRP treatment quality can vary between clinics, so it’s essential to choose a provider with experience in regenerative medicine.
Interested in Learning More About PRP?
At our clinic, we specialize in regenerative orthopedics and use only the highest quality PRP to help our patients achieve the best outcomes possible. If you are dealing with a rotator cuff tear and want to explore alternatives to surgery or cortisone, contact us today to learn more about how PRP therapy can help you regain your mobility and live pain-free.
