Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the difference in tear size and functional scores between the intralesional PRP and BMAC injections for partial-thickness supraspinatus tears.
Methods: 30 patients with partial thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon studied between May 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 were randomised into two groups. 15 patients underwent extraction of BMACs and received BMAC injection at the tear site and 15 patients underwent extraction of PRP and received intralesional PRP injection, under the guidance of ultrasound. The American Shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES) scores were recorded before injection, 3 weeks and 3 months after injection. Tear size reduction was measured at 3 weeks and 3 months after injection in two groups by ultrasound measuring the longitudinal tear length.
Results: There were 10 men and 5 women in BMAC group, whereas in the PRP group, there were 8 men and 7 women, with the right side being more frequently affected in 18 patients. In the BMAC group, the mean age of the patients was 52.6±7.3 years, whereas, in the PRP group, it was 52.6±5.4 years. The ASES scores in BMAC group changed from 37.1±7.3 (before injection) to 54.7±6.5 at 3 weeks and 75.6±5.2 at 3 months while those in the PRP group changed from 35.6±6.1 (before injection) to 51.4±6.6 at 3 weeks and 64.5±4.8 at 3 months. In the BMAC group, the mean tear size decreased from 5.7±1.4 (before injection) to 3.7±1.1 after 3 months, but in the PRP group, it changes from 6.3±1.3 (before injection) to 5.4±1.3 after 3 months.
Conclusion: BMAC injection reduced the tear size and improved the pain and functional scores in patients with partial thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon when compared to PRP injection.
