Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Be As Effective As Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder in Rats? Experimental Animal Study

Abstract

Aim: Frozen shoulder is an important health problem that causes significant socio-economic losses as it affects daily life. Its etiopathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. A long recovery period leads to new searches for treatment. In the treatment of frozen shoulder, corticosteroids (CS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are applied, among other options. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of CS and PRP in frozen shoulder.

Material and Methods: A secondary frozen shoulder model was created in rats. At the end of the eight-week waiting period, the shoulder joint was released. The rats, divided into three groups, were injected intraarticularly with saline in the first group, CS in the second group, and PRP in the third group. After a two-week waiting period, the shoulder joint range of motion of the sacrificed rats was measured. The joint capsule was evaluated histologically for synovial inflammation, type 3 collagen, capillary proliferation, subscapular bursa adhesion and fibrosis.

Result: CS and PRP application did not affect the range of motion of the joint. A significant increase in synovial inflammation a decrease in fibrosis, type 3 collagen deposition, subscapular bursa adhesion were revealed. It was observed that vascular proliferation did not change.

Discussion: CS and PRP treatment yielded similar results in the frozen shoulder animal model. While both of these treatments do not affect the range of motion of the joint, they reverse the pathological changes in a frozen shoulder.