RCT - Platelet Rich Plasma vs Placebo in GTPS V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Double Blind Randomised Control Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma versus placebo for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
IRAS ID
198415
Contact name
Caroline Potts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development, North Tyneside General Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Our study will be investigating the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). This will be compared with a placebo treatment of normal saline injection. GTPS is a painful condition, formerly known as trochanteric bursitis, where patients experience pain on the outside of their hip joint because the tendons and muscles in this area are inflamed. Currently, steroid injections can be used to treat this condition as they have anti-inflammatory effects. PRP is a natural blood product rich in platelets. Platelets are cells which help the healing process when you injure or cut yourself. When making PRP, blood is taken and processed to increase the concentration of platelets. One study presented at an international orthopaedic conference has reported PRP to be as effective as steroids and longer lasting than corticosteroid injection. Our theory is that PRP injected into the inflamed area around the outer part of the hip helps the healing process in GTPS. There have been no major side effects, for example infection or tendon rupture, reported previously. If we can show that PRP is more effective than steroids at reducing symptoms, then PRP could be used instead of steroids to provide relief for patients. Patients with GTPS, after diagnosis from an MRI or ultrasound scan, can participate in this study. They must not have had any recent steroid injections, surgery on their hip or other conditions which may cause hip pain. Participants would be assigned either treatment randomly and they will not know which treatment they are receiving to make the study fairer when analysing the results. We will assess their symptoms before treatment and at regular intervals up to 1 year. The treatments and follow up will take place at one of our main hospitals in the Northumbria region.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0374
Date of REC Opinion
19 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion