Shoulder surgery recovery: PRP vs steroids – which works better?

NCT ID NCT05603468

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two common injections—platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids—given during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. 387 adults with full-thickness supraspinatus tears are randomly assigned to receive PRP, corticosteroid, or a placebo injection during surgery. The main goal is to see which treatment improves shoulder function best over time, measured by the Oxford Shoulder Score.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid

What this could lead to

If PRP works better than steroids, it could offer a more natural treatment option to improve shoulder recovery after rotator cuff surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a phase 4 trial comparing two existing treatments, so no major breakthrough is expected. Results may show only modest differences, and PRP preparation varies between clinics.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

disease of the tendon rotator cuff syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China