Using PRP injections to treat shoulder osteoarthritis

Outcomes Following Single Injections of Low-dose Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), High-dose PRP, or Saline in Patients With Glenohumeral OA: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT05675527

This study is testing whether different doses of PRP injections can help people with painful shoulder osteoarthritis feel better after other treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment135 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05675527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in treating glenohumeral osteoarthritis by comparing low-dose and high-dose PRP preparations against a saline control. Participants aged 18-100 with significant shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis will receive one of the three treatments after failing conservative therapies. The study aims to determine which PRP dosage provides better outcomes for patients suffering from this condition. MRI confirmation of joint issues and a history of pain are required for eligibility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-100 with moderate to severe shoulder pain due to glenohumeral osteoarthritis who have not responded to conservative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior PRP injections or recent steroid treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective pain relief option for patients with shoulder osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some efficacy of PRP in treating glenohumeral osteoarthritis, but this study's comparison of different PRP dosages is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-100 years old
* Average NRS pain greater than or equal to 5/10 as a direct result of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (any severity: mild, moderate, or severe) and/or chondral lesion or loss
* At least 3 months of pain after onset of symptoms that has failed conservative treatments, including physical therapy
* MRI of the affected joint
* Transient relief of symptoms after a diagnostic intra-articular injection into the joint
* Email address or network access

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to hold non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks prior and 1 month after the injection
* Prior platelet-rich plasma injection
* Steroid injection within 3 months of the initial injection
* Hyaluronic acid within 6 months of the initial injection
* Involved in workers' compensation or active litigation involving the affected joint
* History of Plavix use
* Known uncontrolled systemic illness (uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, vasculitis, autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease)
* Presence of acute fractures or gross mechanical deformities
* Concurrent "uncontrolled" cervical disorders

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

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 Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.