Considering PRP before agreeing to shoulder surgery

Read the literature. Not enough evidence that it works for shoulders imo. Get a second opinion? Just had the replacement and alls well.

Thanks for your response. I had my surgery scheduled and did a lot of research (non-anecdotal). I met with my favorite orthopedist (a physiatrist). I shared my findings and he was aware. Especially about the under-reporting of post-op complications, often many months or years out. He was optimistic about the PRP. I can always have the surgery later. I don't have much pain and I have almost full range of motion now. (The images are scary looking though.) His practice doesn't administer it, but he's referring me to Dartmouth.

@daveyjanes
I tried PRP after I could no longer receive cortisone shoots in both my shoulders. It didn’t help. I can’t take NSAIDs due to only one kidney. Since the recovery for shoulder surgery is too long, (I am 80) I have begun low dose radiation with an oncologist. Information is on line. It’s for 2 weeks no side effects. It’s used extensively in Germany. I successfully had both knees replaced when I was in my 60s. Hope this helps.

@maylbee Thanks for your post. I'm sorry your PRPs didn't work. Are you having radiation due to cancer or is it used for your shoulder?

Not for cancer. Please read on internet about low dose radiation. It is used by Cleveland Clinic and Loyola Medicine. It does not cause cancer. Over half of radiation in Germany is not used to treat cancer.

Thank you for this! I'm waiting for my PRP consult and will mention this to my doc, who is an expert at a well-known teaching hospital.

If your issue is no cartilage, PRP will not grow cartilage back. Perhaps you already knew that. I'm not sure why shoulder replacement is even being discussed if you aren't having much pain though. My mother was having horrible pain and I believe she was 85 when she had her replacement. I took care of her and she had a great outcome. It was painful of course but worth it.
My cartilage is great, but I am having a lot of shoulder pain from probable SLAP tear and thinning/tears, etc. I've had a least one cortisone shot in this shoulder and don't plan on anymore since they can cause thinning and won't fix anything. I had a PRP injection a little over 3 weeks ago so too soon to comment.

PRP is not used for rotator cuff tears. It is not going to help.

Shoulder replacement, Reverse is when the rotator cuff is shot, badly torn. PRP is not going to be able to regrow the very torn or completely tor tendons of the RC. That is the reason for RSR . The Deltoid takes over.

@babette PRP is not covered by insurance. Out of pocket.