Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of recalcitrant rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88869

Journal:

Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine - JSCM (formerly Journal of the American Paraplegia Society)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 45, 1, 42-48

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study tested the safety and treatment effect of an ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Six wheelchair users (3 paraplegia, 3 tetraplegia) who had chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disease received ultrasound-guided PRP injection into pathological shoulder tendons, targeting the supraspinatus. Subjects were provided a standardized stretching and strengthening program and were followed for 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after the intervention with outcomes collected at each time-point. Outcome measures included the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), physical and ultrasound examinations for supraspinatus tendinopathy, and the 5-point patient global impression of change. The WUSPI, NRS, and physical exam scores decreased 24 weeks after treatment. Participants reported overall improvement in their status as a result of the treatment. No adverse events were noted, and no changes in ultrasound markers for tendinopathy were observed. Findings indicated that a single, ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the supraspinatus tendon, followed by a stretching and strengthening exercise program, was safe and provided improvements in shoulder pain outcome measures in this study. Lack of blinding, short-term follow-up, and a suitable control group warrant a larger randomized controlled trial.

Author(s):