The impact of platelet-rich plasma in the shortterm management of chronic discogenic pain: A randomized controlled trial
نویسندگان
1 Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3 Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
4 Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
5 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
doi
doi:10.34172/jept.2025.24چکیده
Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from the patient’s own blood and containing a highdensity of bioactive compounds, is an emerging therapeutic option for the management of spinerelated disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of PRP therapy in managingchronic discogenic low back pain compared with conventional treatment.Methods: In the present randomized controlled trial, 32 participants were enrolled from theNeurosurgery Ward at Shahid Bahonar Hospital in Kerman; all patients had a diagnosis of chronicdiscogenic low back pain. The subjects were randomly assigned to a PRP treatment group (n=15)and a control group (n=17). PRP was prepared using a standardized protocol and injected into theaffected disc under fluoroscopic guidance. Control group participants underwent conventionaltreatment, specifically physical therapy and analgesics. Pain intensity (VAS), functional disability(ODI), analgesic use, and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, andat 6 months post-treatment.Results: The PRP and control groups had mean ages of 47.5 (±9.2) and 49.8 (±8.8) years,respectively (P=0.487). The PRP intervention resulted in significantly improved VAS scores asearly as 1 week post-treatment, with improvements persisting at weeks 4 and 12 and at month 6(P<0.05). The PRP group showed greater reductions in ODI scores at both the 12-week and 6-monthfollow-ups (P<0.05).Conclusion: PRP therapy significantly alleviates pain and improves function in patients with lowback pain. This makes it a promising alternative to conventional treatment approaches
