Abstract Background: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Conservative treatments such as corticosteroid injections and newer biological therapies like autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) are frequently used, but evidence comparing their efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of ACP versus corticosteroid injections for treating partial-thickness RCT. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 70 patients with partial-thickness RCT was conducted. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: ACP (Group A) and corticosteroid (Group B). Pain and shoulder function were measured using the Visual Analog Scale, the University of California, Los Angeles scoring system, and the Constant-Murley scores at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: Both groups showed improvements in pain and function at 4 and 8 weeks; however, no significant differences were observed at either time point. At 12 weeks, Group A ACP experienced notable improvements with lasting benefits in pain relief and shoulder function. Meanwhile, Group B (steroid) experienced a return of symptoms. Post-injection pain worsened more often in the ACP group, while a few patients in the steroid group developed skin atrophy. Conclusion: A single injection of ACP significantly improves pain relief and shoulder function compared with corticosteroid injections, with more persistent effects over 12 weeks. ACP seems to be a better option for treating partial-thickness RCTs.
Lamba et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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