Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Platelet Rich Plasma Injections: The Novel Modality for the Treatment of Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Low back is a common health problem, it causes significant morbidity that limits the economic productivity, the use of platelet rich plasma has been shown to be effective in cosmetic surgical procedures and help accelerate wound healing in trauma and joint injuries. Platelet rich plasma injections use each individual patient’s own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems. We therefore investigated the use of lumbar transforaminal epidural platelet rich plasma injections for the treatment of low back pain patients. Methods: We evaluated a pain numerical rating scale for a total of 210 patients with low back pain at the level of L3-4-5, immediately prior to the procedure, the patients completed the pain numerical rating scale score were 0 no pain and 10 the worst pain, a successful categorical outcome were defined as reduction in pain by at least 50%, we also evaluated an assessment of immediate post procedure numerical rating scale at 2 weeks and we measure the successful outcomes at 2 months. Results: Immediate NRS response was weakly associated with 2-month outcomes, Patients that responded at 2 weeks were more likely to be responders at 2 months than those who were non-responders at 2 weeks. Conclusion: Immediate post-TFE PRP pain relief does not strongly predict longer term effectiveness in pain relief or functional recovery. Response in pain relief or functional recovery at 2 weeks is more strongly associated with 2-month outcomes.