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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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