Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing corticosteroid and PRP injections for shoulder arthritis treatment

Official title: Prospective, Double Blind, Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Intra-articular Injections for the Treatment of Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

Run by Rush University Medical Center · NCT04949087 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether corticosteroid injections or PRP injections work better to relieve pain for people with shoulder arthritis.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorRush University Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 13, 2023
Main results expectedJanuary 2027
Study endsJanuary 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT04949087 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of primary glenohumeral arthritis and a pain level greater than 4 on the VAS scale.

Probably not a fit

Patients with secondary causes of arthritis or recent shoulder surgeries may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injections compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. It focuses on patients who have been diagnosed with this condition and are experiencing significant pain. The goal is to provide symptomatic relief and potentially delay the need for shoulder surgery. By comparing these two treatment options, the study seeks to clarify their therapeutic benefits in managing shoulder arthritis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer patients effective non-surgical treatment options for shoulder arthritis, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar injection therapies for joint pain, suggesting potential efficacy for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient ≥18y.o. of age
* Primary glenohumeral arthritis (bone on bone or near bone on bone) that has been previously diagnosed on radiographs and clinical evaluation.
* Baseline pain level of VAS \>4

Exclusion Criteria:

* Secondary causes of arthritis (i.e. septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, post-traumatic arthritis)
* Ipsilateral shoulder surgery within 1 year
* Any glenohumeral joint injection within 3 months
* Allergy to lidocaine
* Known pregnancy
* Workers compensation case regarding shoulder

Where it's running

  • Rush University Medical Center
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.