Comparative Study Between Intra-lesional Steroid Injection and Intra-lesional Platelet Rich Plasma in Various Tendinopathies in Patients upto 60 Years of Age for 6 Month Duration

Abstract

Background: Tendinopathies, including lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, and supraspinatus tendinopathy, are chronic degenerative conditions that significantly impact quality of life. This study compares the efficacy of intra-lesional steroid injections (ISI) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in managing these conditions.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety profile of intralesional steroid injection (ISI) versus intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of various tendinopathies (lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, supraspinatus tendinopathy).
Methods: A prospective randomized comparative trial was conducted with 90 patients divided equally into PRP and ISI treatment groups. Outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and functional scores — DASH (for upper extremity) and WOMAC (for plantar fasciitis) — over a six-month follow-up period.
Results: While ISI provided faster initial pain relief at two weeks, PRP demonstrated significantly superior long-term results in pain reduction and functional improvement at the six-month mark. PRP also showed lower recurrence rates and a better safety profile compared to ISI.
Conclusion: PRP is a more favourable long-term treatment option for chronic tendinopathy, facilitating restorative healing rather than temporary symptom suppression.