Comparative efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) vs Triamcinolone injections in Periarthritis Shoulder: Unveiling long-term benefits

Background: Periarthritis of the shoulder, characterised by pain and stiffness, poses challenges in management. While corticosteroid injections are commonly used, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential alternative due to its regenerative properties. This study aims to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injections of triamcinolone versus PRP in treating periarthritis of the shoulder. Methods: A parallel-group, prospective, randomised clinical trial was conducted. Fifty patients diagnosed with periarthritis were randomised into two groups: Triamcinolone (n=25) and PRP (n=25). Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores at baseline 1, 3 and 6 Months post-injection. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes between the two groups. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in age, sex distribution, side involvement, or symptom duration. Both groups showed improvement in VAS and DASH scores at 3 months, with PRP demonstrating superior outcomes at 6 months . The PRP group exhibited significantly lower VAS scores and better functional recovery compared to the Triamcinolone group at 6 months (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intra-articular injections of PRP offer superior long-term benefits compared to triamcinolone in managing periarthritis of the shoulder. While both treatments improve pain and functional outcomes initially, PRP demonstrates prolonged efficacy, highlighting its potential as a promising alternative in periarthritis management.