Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term tendon healing response to a single ultrasound-guided autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in patients aged 25-60 years with clinically and ultrasonographically confirmed unilateral, partial- to full-thickness rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, from April 25 to October 24, 2018. A total of 90 patients aged 25 to 60 years, with clinically and ultrasonographically confirmed partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears, were enrolled. Patients with diabetes mellitus, bone infections (e.g., osteomyelitis), or muscular and skeletal dystrophies were excluded. All patients received a single PRP injection administered by the principal investigator. Follow-up assessments were conducted over a 12-week period, and tendon healing was evaluated using ultrasonography. Complete healing was defined as the absence of a tear on follow-up imaging. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, mean age: 41.46 ± 9.05 years; 61 males (67.78%) and 29 females (32.22%). Most patients (55.56%) were aged 41-60 years, and right shoulder involvement was observed in 56.67% of cases. At 12 weeks, complete tendon healing was noted in 62 patients (68.89%), while 28 patients (31.11%) showed no healing. Stratified analysis revealed no statistically significant association between healing outcomes and age (p = 0.839), gender (p = 0.141), symptom duration (p = 0.900), BMI (p = 0.504), or affected side (p = 0.327). CONCLUSION: PRP therapy was associated with a high rate of tendon healing on ultrasonographic assessment at 12 weeks in patients with partial- to full-thickness rotator cuff tears. While these findings suggest potential short-term structural benefits, they should be interpreted with caution due to the study's descriptive design, lack of a control group, and reliance on ultrasound. Although PRP may be a useful adjunct in conservative management, especially for non-surgical candidates, current evidence supports its role primarily in symptom relief. Larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and functional outcomes are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.