{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Comparative efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus PRP combined with vitamin C injection for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial.
{Author}: Mohammadivahedi F;Sadeghifar A;Farsinejad A;Jambarsang S;Mirhosseini H;
{Journal}: J Orthop Surg Res
{Volume}: 19
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jul 23
{Factor}: 2.677
{DOI}: 10.1186/s13018-024-04917-3
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The optimal approach for managing partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCT) remains controversial. Recent studies related to PTRCTs have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection might be an effective treatment option. Despite the role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and its antioxidant properties, the effects of combined PRP and vitamin C treatment on rotator cuff repair are not well understood. This study investigated the effect of combined treatment of PRP and vitamin C treatment on PTRCTs.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>One hundred-ten patients with PTRCTs were randomly allocated to two groups and underwent subacromial injections of either (A) normal saline and platelet-rich plasma or (B) vitamin C and platelet-rich plasma. The Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale were used to evaluate the outcomes before, 1 month after, and 3 months after injection.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>At the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of ASES and Constant scores. Although a slight difference favoring group B was noted in functional scores and pain reduction, this difference was not statistically significant. However, both groups demonstrated significant pain reduction over time (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the enhancement of ASES and Constant scores in both groups was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In conclusion, both PRP injection alone and PRP combined with vitamin C led to significant reductions in pain and enhancements in function scores over time (p < 0.001), suggesting the effectiveness of PRP as a non-surgical treatment for PTRCTs within 3 months. While PRP alone showed significant benefits, further research is required to ascertain if the combination therapy offers statistically significant advantages over PRP alone.<BR><B>BACKGROUND: </B>Clinical trial registration code: IRCT20230821059205N1.