l The Challenge of Tendon Tears
Tendon tears are common sports injuries, especially among athletes and manual laborers. Traditional treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. However, these methods often have limited effectiveness, and long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to side effects.
l What is PRP (Platelet-rich plasma)?
PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) is a treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to extract and concentrate platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration. PRP therapy is becoming increasingly popular in sports medicine and orthopaedics, showing significant results in treating tendon tears.
l Is PRP Treatment Really Better?
A 2021 study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (IF: 2.4) compared the effects of PRP and traditional corticosteroid injections on partial shoulder tendon tears (primarily the supraspinatus tendon). This randomized controlled trial included 32 patients who received either PRP or corticosteroid injections.
Study Results:
Short-term Effects (1 month post-treatment):
Both groups showed significant improvements in pain (VAS scores) and shoulder function (OSS scores).
There was no significant difference in the level of improvement between the two groups.
Long-term Effects (6 months post-treatment):
1. The PRP group continued to show improvements in pain and function, while the corticosteroid group did not.
2. Compared to the corticosteroid group, the PRP group had significantly better pain relief and functional improvement.
3. Specifically, the PRP group’s VAS (visual analog scale) scores and OSS (Oxford Shoulder Score) scores significantly decreased, indicating greater pain reduction and functional enhancement.
Safety:
⁃ No complications were reported in either group during the study period, demonstrating the safety of both PRP and corticosteroid treatments.
Study Conclusion:
• Both corticosteroid and PRP injections provided similar pain relief and functional improvement at 1 month for patients with partial supraspinatus tears.
• However, PRP showed superior benefits over corticosteroids in the 6-month follow-up.
Dr. Huang's Summary:
l Why Choose PRP?
• Long-term Efficacy: PRP offers better long-term pain relief and functional improvement compared to corticosteroids.
• Natural Components: PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of rejection and allergic reactions.
• Promotes Healing: The growth factors in PRP effectively promote the repair and regeneration of tendons and other tissues.
l Does PRP Treatment Suit You?
For patients with tendon tears, PRP injections are an effective and safe treatment option. They not only provide short-term pain relief but also promote long-term functional recovery and improve the quality of life. For those seeking long-term benefits and lower risks of side effects, PRP is undoubtedly the best treatment choice.
[References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34485587/
