Background: In this study, we compared the functional outcome of intra-articular injection of corticosteroid versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with frozen shoulder (FS).

Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2018 to December 2018. A total of 202 patients with FS aged 40 to 70 years were included. Patients with medical comorbidities such as chronic liver disease (assessed on history and serum bilirubin >2.0 mg/dl), chronic renal failure (assessed on history and serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL), and chronic steroid use were excluded. Employing an anterior approach, subjects in groups A and B received one intra-articular injection of 2 mL PRP and 2 mL (80 mg) methylprednisolone acetate, respectively. Age, gender, duration of disease, and pre-injection and post-injection range of motion (ROM) (flexion, extension, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation) were assessed. The University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were measured and compared before and after the injection. All patients were followed at regular intervals post-therapy and the final functional outcome was measured after 12 weeks of therapy.

Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant when comparing flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation in both groups using the independent t-test. The ROM in group A (intra-articular PRP) improved significantly (p < 0.05) after injection compared to group B (intra-articular corticosteroid). The ROM after PRP for abduction was 147.09 ± 7.78, forward flexion 154.52 ± 6.48, external rotation 71.59 ± 7.43, and internal rotation 59.20 ± 3.96. The ROM in the steroid injection group for abduction was 129.07 ± 4.72, forward flexion 127.14 ± 7.87, external rotation 56.27 ± 5.93, and internal rotation 48.86 ± 4.90.

Conclusions: Intra-articular injection of PRP resulted in a substantial improvement in the VAS score, UCLA, and ROM when compared to intra-articular corticosteroid injection in patients with FS.

Hafiz Faisal Shahzad is a dedicated Orthopaedic Surgeon with over nine years of experience in various specialties of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. He completed his MBBS in Pakistan and pursued a Fellowship in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSP), Pakistan. In 2021, he relocated to Ireland, where he has continued to advance his career in Orthopaedic Surgery. 

Dr. Shahzad has successfully completed the Membership Examination in Surgery (MRCS) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He also holds prestigious qualifications, including the Fellowship of the European Board of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery (FEBOT) and the SICOT International Diploma in Orthopaedic Surgery. 

With a special interest in Hand and Wrist Surgery, Dr. Shahzad aims to further his expertise through fellowships in this area following the completion of his FRCS examination. He is committed to contributing to the field of Orthopaedic Surgery through both clinical practice and research. He has authored several research papers and has conducted multiple clinical audits, including a randomized controlled trial (RCT). 

Dr. Shahzad's dedication to patient care and continuous professional development positions him as a valuable asset to the field of Orthopaedic Surgery.