PRP IN THE TREATMENT OF TROCHANTERIC SYNDROME: A PILOT STUDY

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) against corticosteroid on the treatment of trochanteric pain syndrome. METHODS: From July 2011 to November 2012, eighteen patients (20 hips) with trochanter pain syndrome were randomized in two groups and treated with platelet rich plasma or triamcinolone infiltration guided by ultrasound. Pain and function were evaluated prior to the intervention and after 10, 30 and 60 days, through the Facial Expressions Scale for Pain and the Western Ontario McMaster and Harris Hip Score questionnaires. Inter-group analysis was performed by Student t-test and intragroup analysis by ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups. The triamcinolone group showed pain reduction (p=0.004) and improved function (p=0.036) through the Harris Hip Score questionnaire at 10, 30 and 60 days after treatment, when compared with the pre- intervention period. The platelet rich plasma group showed no statistical improvement in any of the variables. CONCLUSION: Up to 60 days, PRP infiltration has no influence on pain relief and function improvement in trochanteric syndrome treatment. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.