This prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial aims to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic outcomes of intralesional and perilesional 5% dextrose injection in patients with partial rotator cuff tears. Eligible participants will be randomized into two parallel groups. Both groups will receive ultrasound-guided 5% dextrose injection to the supraspinatus enthesis. In addition, one group will receive intralesional 5% dextrose injection, while the other group will receive perilesional 5% dextrose injection using the peppering technique. Injections will be performed in three treatment sessions at 21-day intervals. All participants will receive a home-based exercise program after completion of the injection treatments. Clinical outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment, and ultrasonographic outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.
Diagnosis of partial rotator cuff tear by a specialist physician after appropriate clinical examination and imaging evaluation
Shoulder pain and functional limitation lasting for at least 3 months
Clinically confirmed shoulder impingement findings, defined as at least one positive test among Neer, Hawkins-Kennedy, or painful arc tests
Age between 18 and 75 years
Advanced cognitive impairment or dementia preventing reliable completion of questionnaires
Refusal to participate in the study or inability to provide informed consent
Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
Major tendon pathology other than the supraspinatus tendon, such as full-thickness subscapularis tear or biceps tendon rupture