Charles Nicolle Hospital
Tunis, Tunisia
Location status: Recruiting
Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07094178
Corticosteroid Versus PRP Injections for Shoulder Tendinopathy
Shoulder tendinopathy is a common condition that causes shoulder pain and limits daily activities. It often results from damage or overuse of the rotator cuff tendons. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes injections.
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two types of injections for treating simple shoulder tendinopathy:
Corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation and provide quick pain relief, but may have only short-term effects.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, a newer treatment made from the patient's own blood, which may promote long-term healing.
The study is being conducted at the Rheumatology Department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia. A total of 60 adult patients with shoulder tendinopathy will be randomly assigned to receive either a corticosteroid injection or a PRP injection.
Participants will be evaluated before the injection (baseline), after one week, and after three months. The researchers will assess pain levels using a visual analog scale (VAS), and shoulder function using validated questionnaires (DASH and SPADI scores).
The goal is to determine which treatment provides better pain relief and functional improvement over time.
Recruiting
Interested in participating?
Request InfoKey information
Conditions
Age range
18 year and older
Sex eligibility
All sexes
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Diagnosed with simple tendinopathy of the shoulder confirmed by clinical examination and imaging
- Experiencing shoulder pain for at least 4 weeks
- Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Previous shoulder surgery on the affected side
- Presence of rotator cuff tear or severe shoulder pathology
- Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Recent corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder (within last 3 months)
- Contraindications to corticosteroids or PRP treatment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Treatment and study plan
Corticosteroid Injection
ProcedureThis intervention consists of a single injection of corticosteroids administered directly into the affected tendon of the shoulder. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain associated with tendinopathy. The injection is performed under aseptic conditions by a trained physician. The aim is to provide quick pain relief and improve shoulder function, although effects may be temporary.
platelet-rich plasma injection
ProcedureThis intervention involves a single injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which is prepared from the patient's own blood through a process of centrifugation to concentrate platelets. PRP contains growth factors that may promote tissue healing and regeneration. The injection is administered under aseptic conditions into the affected shoulder tendon by a trained physician. The goal is to enhance long-term recovery of tendon function and reduce pain.
Primary outcomes
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Change in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: baseline, 1 week, 3 months
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain". Higher scores represent worse pain outcomes.
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Change in shoulder function measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score
Time frame: baseline, 1 week and 3 months
The DASH score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater disability (worse function).
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Change in shoulder pain and disability measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: baseline, 1 week, 3 months
The SPADI score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater pain and disability.
Study contacts
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Hopital Charles Nicolle
Other
Registry information
Official study title
Efficacy of Corticosteroid Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Important dates
- Study start
- 2025
- Primary completion
- 2025
- Study completion
- 2025
- First posted
- Jul 30, 2025
- Registry last updated
- Jul 30, 2025
OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.
View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.