Comparing injections for treating rotator cuff tears

Comparison of Steroid, Platelet-rich Plasma and Platelet-rich Plasma Plus Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Rotator Cuff Lesions

Not applicable Interventional Kaohsiung Medical University · NCT06237647

This study is testing three different injection treatments for shoulder pain from rotator cuff tears to see which one helps people feel better and recover faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorKaohsiung Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung City, Sanmin)
Trial IDNCT06237647 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of three different injection treatments for chronic rotator cuff partial tears: steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and a combination of PRP with hyaluronic acid (HA). The goal is to determine which treatment provides the best pain relief and functional recovery for patients suffering from shoulder pain. Participants will receive one injection of the selected treatment after undergoing a blood collection process to prepare the PRP. The study aims to provide insights into the synergistic effects of PRP and HA on tissue repair.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20 to 85 with shoulder pain lasting at least one month and a diagnosed partial-thickness rotator cuff tear.

Not a fit: Patients with inflammatory diseases, full-thickness tears, or a history of shoulder surgery are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and recovery for patients with rotator cuff lesions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with PRP and HA injections for similar conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A. Shoulder pain for at least 1 months
* B.partial-thickness tear diagnosed by MRI or Echo
* C.age between 20 and 85 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* A. inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc.
* B. pregnancy
* C. known malignancy
* D. hematologic disease (or hemoglobin \<10 g/dl, platelet \<150.000 ul)
* E. history of shoulder infection
* F. history of shoulder surgery
* G. prior steroid injection for 3 times or more
* H. full-thickness tear
* I. other shoulder problems, such as osteoarthritis, fracture malunion, etc.
* J. subjects who cannot comply with the protocol of study
* K. The shoulder pain area has been treated with PRP for less than 3 months

Where this trial is running

Kaohsiung City, Sanmin

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rotator Cuff Lesionsrotator cuff lesions
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.