Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Randomised Control Open Label Equivalence Trial

Background: De Quervain (DQ) tenosynovitis is a frequent source of wrist pain amongst middle-aged adults. Steroid injections are recommended after conservative methods fail, despite unclear mechanisms. The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for DQ is not well-studied. To address this gap, we conducted a randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of PRP and corticosteroid (CS) injections for treating DQ. Methods: This prospective, randomised and open-label trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India. Adult patients aged 18-60 were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided triamcinolone acetonide injections or autologous PRP in the first extensor compartment. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks using the VAS and quick disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH) questionnaires. Results: Eighty-six age- and sex-matched patients, with an average disease duration of 14 weeks in both groups, were enrolled. Both the CS and PRP groups demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores and improvement in functions at 1, 4 and 12 weeks. However, between the groups, the degree of improvement in pain was more in CS group at 1 week and similar improvements between the groups at 4 and 12 weeks. Regarding hand function, the CS group exhibited notable at 1 and 4 weeks based on the QuickDASH scale. Yet, by the 12th week, hand function improvements were comparable between both groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that PRP is equivalent to CS in reducing pain in DQ tenosynovitis. Hand function improved more significantly in the CS group at 1 and 4 weeks post-injection. Both PRP and CS are safe and equally effective treatments for DQ. Level of Evidence: Level I (Therapeutic).