Introduction:
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as T2 relaxation time mapping, allow for the detection of early tendon alterations following biological therapies. This study aimed to assess structural remodeling of the supraspinatus tendon by analyzing mean T2 relaxation times and T2 relaxation time distribution profiles after a single ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma.
Methods:
A total of 26 patients with symptomatic supraspinatus tendinopathy were enrolled and divided into two groups: tendinosis (n = 9) and partial tear (n = 13). T2 mapping and clinical evaluations were conducted using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the Constant-Murley score, both prior to treatment and six months post-PRP injection. Mean T2 values were measured in the lateral, middle, and medial segments of the supraspinatus tendon. The T2 profiles of patients were compared with those of asymptomatic volunteers for reference.
Results:
Clinical outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in both groups six months after treatment. Mean T2 values showed no significant changes across the tendon segments following PRP therapy. However, analysis of T2 distribution profiles revealed statistically significant differences in both groups. In the tendinosis group, post-treatment T2 profiles closely resembled those of asymptomatic individuals, indicating structural remodeling consistent with tendon healing.
Conclusions:
T2 mapping proved to be a sensitive tool for detecting supraspinatus tendon remodeling after PRP therapy. Structural improvements indicative of tissue healing were observed in the tendinosis group but not in the partial tear group. These findings support the utility of T2 mapping—especially T2 distribution profiling—as a quantitative biomarker for evaluating the therapeutic response to PRP treatment.
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