Authors : Dr. Pardeep Duhan; Dr. Dhruv Lashkare; Dr. Apoorv Jha

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/y9cdnf49

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3987v4vm

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1492

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Abstract : Background: Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a painful and disabling condition characterized by progressive restriction of active and passive shoulder movements due to capsular inflammation and fibrosis [1-3]. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are widely used for rapid pain relief, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a biological treatment aimed at promoting tissue healing and long-term functional recovery [4-8].  Aim: To retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes of platelet-rich plasma injection versus corticosteroid injection in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis.  Methods: This retrospective comparative observational study was conducted at RKDF Medical College Hospital & Research Center. Medical records of 150 patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis and treated with either intra-articular PRP injection or corticosteroid injection were reviewed using purposive sampling. Patients aged 30-70 years with complete clinical and follow-up data were included and divided into two groups of 75 each. Outcome measures included pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder range of motion, and functional scores (SPADI/ConstantMurley). Follow-up data were analyzed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.  Results: Both treatment modalities resulted in significant improvement in pain, range of motion, and functional outcomes. Corticosteroid injections provided faster short-term pain relief, particularly during early follow-up, whereas PRP injections demonstrated more sustained improvement in shoulder mobility and functional scores at later follow-ups, especially at 3 and 6 months [7-12].  Conclusion: PRP injection appears to provide superior long-term clinical outcomes compared with corticosteroid injection, although corticosteroids remain effective for rapid short-term symptom relief. PRP may be considered a promising alternative treatment for adhesive capsulitis, particularly in patients requiring sustained functional improvement [10-16].

Keywords : Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Corticosteroid Injection, PRP, SPADI.

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