Clinical Results of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Frozen Shoulder

Background: Frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Several treatments are utilized to reduce patients' pain and improve range of motion (ROM). Recent researches have been conducted on Plateletrich plasma (PRP) injection. In this study, the clinical results of PRP injection for patients with frozen shoulder was assessed. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients in phases I or II of frozen shoulder were treated with PRP. During the first session, two syringes of PRP were injected in the subacromial bursa and intra-articular space; this process was repeated after four weeks. In the second stage, PRP was injected only in the glenohumeral joint. Results: The average pre-treatment flexion was about 65°; abduction was 70°while external rotation was 22°. Also, baseline scores for VAS, DASH, and SF-12 Health Survey questionnaire were 8.4, 65.9 and 26, respectively. After 25 weeks follow-up, all patients showed significant improvement in shoulder ROM, pain, and function (p˂0.001). Patients reported 66.7% improvement in pain, 51.6% in DASH score, and 100% in SF-12 Health Survey questionnaire. They were also 65% satisfied with the treatment protocol. Conclusion: This case series study demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in patients' pain and disability outcomes following PRP injection. These results provide support for PRP as a safe treatment protocol that decreases pain and increases upper limb function. In addition, it can also improve shoulder range of motion.