Addition of platelet-rich plasma to physiotherapy reduces tear volume and іmproves functional outcomes in articular-sided partial supraspinatus tendon tears

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of physiotherapy alone versus physiotherapy combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with articular-sided partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears. Methods: In this single-centre prospective randomized controlled trial, 63 patients (n = 32 in the PRP group and n = 31 in the control group) aged between 25 and 65 years with isolated articular-sided partial supraspinatus tendon tears on magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) were included. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated sequence, and allocation concealment was ensured with sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The control group received only physical therapy, while the treatment group received two doses of PRP with ultrasound guidance in addition to physical therapy. The primary outcome was the change in tear volume measured by MRA. Clinical evaluation using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley Score (CMS) was performed before and after treatment. Results: A significantly greater reduction in tendon tear volume was observed in the PRP group compared to the control group. In the clinical evaluation of the patients, significant improvements were observed in VAS and CMS scores in both groups. In the evaluation of CMS scores, a significantly greater improvement was observed in the PRP group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion The combination of PRP and physical therapy was shown to be more effective in radiological and clinical improvement than physical therapy alone in the treatment of articular-sided partial-thickness supraspinatus tear.