Corticosteroid versus PRP injections for rotator cuff tendinopathy
Official title: Efficacy of Corticosteroid Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Hopital Charles Nicolle · NCT07094178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hopital Charles Nicolle Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tunis) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07094178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Charles Nicolle Hospital
Tunis, Tunisia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Selma Bouden, Assistant doctor
- Email: selma.bouden@gmail.com
- Phone: 0021624685748
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.