PRP for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

The glenohumeral joint is the third most common large joint to be affected by OA. Conservative treatments include physical activity, corticosteroid injections, and medications. PRP is an emerging treatment that has shown efficacy in different musculoskeletal conditions. The use of PRP for glenohumeral OA has been described sparingly in the literature but has shown efficacy in a couple studies and case reports. However, all of the previous studies investigating PRP for glenohumeral OA have focused on low-dose PRP preparations (~3X), and none have compared PRP treatment to saline treatment. This study aims to compare outcomes following single injections of low-dose PRP, high-dose PRP, or saline in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:18-100 years oldAverage NRS pain greater than or equal to 5/10 as a direct result of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (any severity: mild, moderate, or severe) and/or chondral lesion or lossAt least 3 months of pain after onset of symptoms that has failed conservative treatments, including physical therapyMRI of the affected jointTransient relief of symptoms after a diagnostic intra-articular injection into the jointEmail address or network accessExclusion Criteria:Inability to hold non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks prior and 1 month after the injectionPrior platelet-rich plasma injectionSteroid injection within 3 months of the initial injectionHyaluronic acid within 6 months of the initial injectionInvolved in workers' compensation or active litigation involving the affected jointHistory of Plavix useKnown uncontrolled systemic illness (uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, vasculitis, autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease)Presence of acute fractures or gross mechanical deformitiesConcurrent "uncontrolled" cervical disorders