Volume 15

Number 02 July 2025
Comparing the Efficacy of Intra-articular (I/A) Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Steroid Injections in Patients with Frozen Shoulder in a Tertiary Care Hospital

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47648/jswmc2025v15-02-125

Mazumdar MSH , Fattah IU , Ahmed F , Roy SK , Talha KA

Abstract

Introduction: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain  and progressive restriction of both active and passive range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of intra-articular (I/A) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections versus corticosteroid injections in treating frozen shoulder, focusing on pain reduction, improvement in shoulder function, range of motion, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: This comparative study was conducted at Sylhet Women's Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 60 patients with frozen shoulder were randomly assigned to receive either PRP injections (n=30) or corticosteroid injections (n=30).

Result: The study compared PRP and corticosteroid injections for frozen shoulder, assessing pain (VAS), shoulder function (UCLA Shoulder Score), and range of motion at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. At baseline, both groups were similar; PRP had a VAS score of 7.6, and steroids had 7.7. At one month, VAS scores were 5.0 (PRP) and 5.2 (steroids, p = 0.380). By six months, PRP showed superior outcomes with VAS 2.5 vs. 3.8 (p < 0.001), UCLA scores of 30.0 vs. 25.5 (p < 0.001), and range of motion 130.3° vs. 110.9° (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion this study suggests that at one month follow-up both group shows effective but PRP injections offer superior short and long term outcomes compared to corticosteroid injections for the treatment of frozen shoulder.