Corticosteroid versus PRP injections for rotator cuff tendinopathy
Efficacy of Corticosteroid Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · Hopital Charles Nicolle · NCT07094178
This study will try corticosteroid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to see which one helps adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy have less pain and better shoulder function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hopital Charles Nicolle (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Tunis) |
| Trial ID | NCT07094178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional study will enroll 60 adults with simple rotator cuff tendinopathy at the Rheumatology Department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroid injection or a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, with PRP prepared from the patient’s own blood. Corticosteroids are expected to give faster short-term pain relief, while PRP is given with the aim of promoting longer-term tendon healing. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, one week after injection, and at subsequent follow-up visits to compare pain and function outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with clinically and imaging-confirmed simple rotator cuff tendinopathy, shoulder pain for at least four weeks, and ability to give informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with a rotator cuff tear, prior shoulder surgery on the affected side, systemic inflammatory disease, recent corticosteroid injection, contraindications to corticosteroids or PRP, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify whether PRP provides longer-lasting pain relief or improved tendon healing compared with corticosteroid injections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows corticosteroid injections often give quick short-term pain relief while PRP results have been mixed, with some studies reporting benefit for tendon healing and others showing little or no advantage.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Diagnosed with simple tendinopathy of the shoulder confirmed by clinical examination and imaging * Experiencing shoulder pain for at least 4 weeks * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous shoulder surgery on the affected side * Presence of rotator cuff tear or severe shoulder pathology * Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Recent corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder (within last 3 months) * Contraindications to corticosteroids or PRP treatment * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Tunis
- Charles Nicolle Hospital — Tunis, Tunisia (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Selma Bouden, Assistant doctor
- Email: selma.bouden@gmail.com
- Phone: 0021624685748
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Tendinopathy of Rotator Cuff