A Rotator Cuff Problem May Respond To Hypertonic Dextrose Injections (“Prolotherapy”)

Hypertonic dextrose injections are also called “prolotherapy”.  We think these injections facilitate healing and subsequent pain control through initiation of a temporary inflammatory reaction with related tissue regrowth.  In this article published in the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the authors conclude that these injections could provide short-term pain and disability relief in patients with chronic supraspinatus tendinosis, which is a type of rotator cuff problem. ~ Dr. Broussard

Effect of Hypertonic Dextrose Injection on Pain and Shoulder Disability in Patients with Chronic Supraspinatus Tendinosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
VOLUME 103, ISSUE 2, P237-244, FEBRUARY 01, 2022
Che-Li Lin, MD, PhD

Published: October 02, 2021 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.812

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the effect of hypertonic dextrose injection (my note: prolotherapy) on pain and disability in patients with chronic supraspinatus tendinosis. The secondary aim was to evaluate its effect on the tendon range of motion (ROM) and morphology.

Design
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Setting
Outpatient clinic.

Participants
Individuals (N=57) with symptomatic chronic supraspinatus tendinosis.

Interventions
Participants were randomly administered ultrasound-guided injections of 20% hypertonic dextrose (study group, n=29) or 5% normal saline (control group, n=28).

Main Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure was visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores. Secondary outcomes included the ROM and ultrasound examination findings of the supraspinatus tendon at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postintervention.

Results
The study group exhibited significant improvements in the VAS (mean difference [MD], −2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.7 to −1.4; P<.001) and SPADI (MD, −11.6; 95% CI, −16.5 to −6.7; P<.001) scores compared with baseline scores at week 2. However, the effect was not sustained to week 6. Flexion ROM increased at weeks 2 (MD, 14.1; 95% CI, 5.7-22.5; P<.001) and 6 (MD, 8.9; 95% CI, 2.4-15.4; P=.003) compared with baseline. The thickness of the supraspinatus tendon improved at weeks 6 (MD, .50; 95% CI, .26-.74; P<.001) and 12 (MD, .61; 95% CI, .37-.84; P<.001) compared with baseline. The ratio of histograms also improved at weeks 6 (MD, .19; 95% CI, .06-.32; P=.002) and 12 (MD, .26; 95% CI, .10-.41; P<.001) compared with baseline.

Conclusion
Hypertonic dextrose injection could provide short-term pain and disability relief in patients with chronic supraspinatus tendinosis. Ultrasound imaging at week 6 revealed changed tendon morphology.

Journal Reference

Notes:

Hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is an injection therapy used to treat chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions (14,15). The mechanism of action is not well understood; the historical understanding posits that DPT facilitates healing and subsequent pain control through initiation of a temporary inflammatory reaction with related tissue proliferation (16,17,18,19). [From: Efficacy of hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) in temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis]

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