Can a rotator cuff tear be treated with PRP?

Rotator cuff tear is a painful and disabling condition of the shoulder joint. The cuff is made of 4 muscles attaching to the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) through tendons, and these are required for maintaining the range of motion and lifting power of the shoulder joint. A tear of the rotator cuff can occur due to falls or more often due to minor injuries of daily activities causing a progressive attrition of the tendons due to increased pressure and rubbing between the shoulder bones (humerus and acromion process of scapula).

A completely torn rotator cuff, always requires arthroscopic surgery to restore the shoulder function, because a balanced function of Deltoid muscle with the rotator cuff (they act as the force couple in lifting). But a partially torn cuff, when the tear involves less than 50% of the footprint attachment on to the greater tuberosity (this can be well appreciated on a good quality MRI scan), can many a times heal with conservative measures including PRP and physical therapy.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy uses your body’s natural healing mechanisms to help you restore many tissues. The practice involves a few steps:

1. A doctor will draw a small sample of blood at the start. The sample can be about 20 – 30mL on average.
2. The blood sample will enter a centrifuge, where it will spin to separate the platelet layer, producing platelet-rich plasma or PRP.
3. The doctor will use an ultrasound to identify the proper space where the PRP should be injected.

How does the PRP process work?

Our experts at MOSC Hospital, Kolenchery, Kochi use the Arthrex orthobiologic ACP approach to PRP therapy for rotator cuff tears and other joint-related injuries.

Here’s how the process works:

The procedure will take approx 30 minutes and is done in the out-patient department.

The process takes a few days to complete, although you will be able to go home after treatment. You can get back to light activities about a week afterward, eventually going to a more rigorous schedule in about 1 – 2 months.

How effective is PRP therapy?

The ACP orthobiologic process we use adapts to the body fairly well. You will not require an extensive recovery period, nor will you need to stay in a hospital. PRP therapy is also safe for you because it is derived from growth factors within your body. Since these are materials that your body is used to experiencing, you will not be at risk of allergic reactions or other complications surrounding the treatment.

Contact us today to see if you qualify for PRP therapy

Not everyone is eligible for PRP therapy for a rotator cuff tear, as each tear situation is different. Our team at MOSC Hospital, Kolenchery, Kochi, Kerala can review your injury to see what can work for you. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sujit Jos. The team at MOSC Hospital will find a solution that fits your needs.