A Regenerative Interventional Approach to the Management of Degenerative Low Back Pain

Abstract

Objective: Low back pain has been strongly related to the degenerative process of the spine, especially the degeneration of the intervertebral disc and facet joints. The main procedures for the management of low back pain are no intended to slow down or reverse the degenerative process. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), an orthobiologic product, has been the subject of several studies in the management of low back pain. Methods: A prospective case series study presenting the clinical results of 23 patients treated with PRP injections performed following clinical a interventionist protocol called PerMuTIS – Personalized Multi Target Biologic Injection of the Spine. The method to obtain the platelet concentrate was the Simple Double Spin technique, a low-cost double spin that produces Leucocyte Rich PRP. Baseline scores of pain and disability using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were recorded. Results: Mean VAS pain score across the cohort decreased by approximately 62%, while the Roland-Morris disability score decreased by about 60% at 52 weeks. There was no report of adverse events. The Leucocite and Monocite Rich PRP product showed concentration of 4.3X above baseline, with monocites concentration of 3.2X baseline. Conclusion: The concept of application in multiple targets using a simple and low-cost preparation technique proved to be feasible and without reports of serious side effects that compromise its indication. The PerMuTIS – Personalized Multi Target Biologic Injection in the Spine Technique using Simple Double Spin protocol demonstrated safety and feasibility in this prospective study of patients with low back pain who failed conservative treatments. Large scale, multicenter randomized clinical trial will provide an appropriate level of evidence to assist in clinical practice.