Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes following regenerative injection therapy with autologous platelet concentrates in patients with partial rotator cuff tears

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the use of stem cells and other biotechnological products aimed at enhancing tendon and tendon-bone junction repair and regeneration. Aim. To compare the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet cryolysate in patients with partial rotator cuff tears of the shoulder. Materials and methods. This study analyzed clinical outcomes of regenerative injection therapy in 73 patients with shoulder joint pathology associated with partial rotator cuff tears. Depending on the type of biotechnological product used, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 29) received intra-articular injection of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP), and Group 2 (n = 44) – platelet cryolysate. Diagnosis and confirmation of rotator cuff pathology were based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound guidance was used for the injection of the biotechnological products. Clinical outcomes and quality of life were assessed using the UCLA Shoulder Score, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Evaluations were performed before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Results. The analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in function and pain reduction as early as 3 months after treatment with autologous platelet concentrates (platelet cryolysate and LP-PRP) in patients with partial rotator cuff tears (p < 0.05) according to the UCLA, OSS, and VAS scales. At 12 months, clinical outcomes were significantly better in the group treated with regenerative injection therapy using platelet cryolysate compared with the LP-PRP group, as reflected by UCLA, OSS, and VAS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Platelet cryolysate demonstrated advantages over leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma in terms of long-term pain relief and functional recovery of the shoulder joint over a 12-month follow-up period after treatment.