Exploring the feasibility of platelet-rich plasma injections for intervertebral discopathy: a pilot study

Jean-François Kaux; Christophe Demoulin; Marie-Antoinette  Ferrara; Robert Fontaine; Stéphanie Grosdent; Sarah Bethlen; Marco Tomasella; Philippe Gillet; Marc Vanderthommen

doi:10.2340/jrm-cc.v7.18305

Authors

Jean-François Kaux Department of physical activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Christophe Demoulin Department of physical activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Marie-Antoinette Ferrara Medical Imaging Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Robert Fontaine Anesthesia & Intensive Care Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgi
Stéphanie Grosdent Department of physical activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Sarah Bethlen Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Marco Tomasella Department of physical activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Philippe Gillet Orthopedic Surgery Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Marc Vanderthommen Department of physical activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm-cc.v7.18305

Keywords:

back pain, case report, disability, disc degeneration, injection, platelet-rich plasma

Abstract

Objective: This longitudinal pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and potential benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections into the lumbar intervertebral discs in patients with low back pain and degenerative intervertebral monodiscopathy, assessing potential efficacy on disability.

Design: Longitudinal pilot study.

Methods: Six participants with chronic low back pain and lumbar degenerative intervertebral disc (monodiscopathy) disease underwent 1 Platelet-Rich Plasma injection, with a 1-year follow-up. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections were administered into the lumbar intervertebral disc, and outcomes were measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, numeric rating scale for pain, Tampa scale for kinesiophobia and lumbar flexion range. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis assessed disc changes.

Results: No adverse events were reported. At the end of the 1-year follow-up, half of the patients showed significant improvements in disability scores at 1 year, while 3 of the 6 patients had no change. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no significant disc changes.

Conclusion: Platelet-Rich Plasma injections show promise for some patients with low back pain and degenerative intervertebral discopathy patients. However, caution is warranted due to study limitations, including small sample size and lack of a control group. Further research is needed to define Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy protocols.

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