A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Injection Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) for Great Trochanter Pain Syndrome (GTPS) With Gluteus Medius or Minimus Tendinopathy

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for management of refractory Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

GTPS is a common cause of extra-articular lateral hip pain which occurs in up to 10- 25% of the population, and is a common presenting complaint to primary care and Sports Medicine clinics. Previously, most cases of GTPS were diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis, for which the standard treatment focused on relieving inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections. However, corticosteroid injections typically only provide short term pain relief, likely secondary to the fact that the underlying pathology is likely not from an isolated bursal inflammation. Recent studies suggest that in fact the most common cause of GTPS is gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy or tear. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been used in treating tendinopathies and tendon tears throughout the body to promote healing through the concentrated growth factors released from platelets. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is another treatment which has been used increasingly in the treatment of tendinopathies. The purpose of this randomized prospective study is to compare the efficacy of PRP injection to ESWT in treating patients with a clinical diagnosis of GTPS.