Abstract
Background: Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is one of the common causes of shoulder pain and disability of upper limb, limiting both active and passive movements of joint, particularly external rotation which remains pivotal to clinically diagnosis. It is seen in 2–5% of general population. Many type of treatment modalities have been employed in this disorder such as NSAIDS, intra-articular steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, and physiotherapy. As the evidence for treatment modalities remains inconclusive and recent use of PRPs as a biological agent which promotes healing, there is a need to examine the role of PRP and compare it most common routine treatment modality that is intra-articular steroid injection.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of both intra-articular PRP and corticosteroids and possible benefit of one method over other in patients with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in department of orthopedic GMC, Patiala, between August 2020 and March 2022. A total of 100 subjects more than 18 years of age were enrolled in study and were randomly divided into Group A - 50 subjects receiving PRP and Group B - 50 subjects receiving methylprednisolone. Clinical assessment was made before injection and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks following injection using degree of improvement in passive range of motion pre and post-injection, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and Oxford Shoulder Score. Final assessment was graded by taking mean of two scoring systems.

Results: The mean age in PRP group was 50.6 ± 5 and mean age in steroid group was 52.3 ± 5.50 patients in intra-articular PRP group and 50 patients in intra-articular corticosteroid group finished entire 12-week study period. There was a significant difference in patient satisfaction score (mean of VAS and Oxford Shoulder Score). There was significant improvement in passive range of motion in both the groups but more so in Group A intra-articular PRP than Group B intra-articular CS. Follow-up period was uneventful.

Conclusion: Single intraarticular PRP injection shows better efficacy than intra-articular corticosteroid injection in case of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.

Key words: Adhesive Capsulitis; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Corticosteroid; Intra-Articular