Non-Surgical Treatment for Rotator-Cuff Tears Using Platelet-Rich-Plasma

Based off literature and clinical practice, the majority of rotator cuff tears continue to
progress to surgical correction despite conservative measures. These include physical
therapy, medication management and minimally invasive procedures such as subacromial bursa
injections and intra-articular injections with steroids. Recently a popular treatment of
common musculoskeletal injuries (including tendinopathies) has emerged throughout the US and
has been utilized worldwide for many years with good empiric evidence known as Platelet-Rich
Plasma (PRP) injections. In partnership with UAB Orthopedics and Radiology, the UAB
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation aims to compare PRP to corticosteroid
injections for patients with partial rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy. Outcome measures are
ultrasound imaging, pain and disability over the course of 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. subjects between ages 19 to 75, both male and female

2. radiologic imaging which can include either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or
ultrasound (US) consistent with partial thickness rotator cuff tears of any degree
except for full thickness tears

3. Failed a trial of physical therapy of at least 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Full thickness tears (well documented need for surgical correction)

2. sensory or neurologic complaint affecting the shoulder of interest

3. Coagulation disorder, platelet disorder

4. Pregnancy: Pregnancy test will be performed on women of childbearing age prior to
their participation in the interventional portion of the study

5. Any major systemic illness such as ongoing infection or any condition that requires
strict anti-platelet or anticoagulation therapy

6. Prior surgery to either cervical spine or shoulder

7. Active military

8. Injury part of worker compensation claim