Transforaminal Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Compared with Steroid in Lumbar radiculopathy: A Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Study.

Abstract

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of transforaminal steroid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. 60 patients were randomized to be treated with single transforaminal injection of PRP (n = 29) or steroid (methylprednisolone acetate [n = 31]). Clinical assessment was done with Visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Oswestry low back pain disability index (MODI), and straight leg raise test (SLRT). Baseline assessment of outcomes was done followed by post-intervention evaluation at 1, 3, and 6months. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. There was a significant statistical improvement of VAS and MODI in both groups at follow-up (P < 0.05). In PRP group, minimal clinically important change (> 2cm difference of mean for VAS and > 10-point change in MODI) for both outcome scores was achieved at all follow-up intervals (1, 3, 6months), while as in steroid group, it was seen only at 1 and 3months for both VAS and MODI. On intergroup comparison, better results were seen in steroid group at 1month (P < 0.001 for both VAS and MODI), and in PRP group at 6months (P < 0.001 for both VAS and MODI) with non-significant difference at 3months (P = 0.605 for MODI and P = 0.612 for VAS). More than 90% tested SLRT negative in PRP group and 62% in steroid group at 6months. No serious complications were seen. Transforaminal injections of PRP and steroid improve short-term (up to 3months) clinical outcome scores in discogenic lumbar radiculopathy, but clinically meaningful improvements sustaining for 6months were provided by PRP only.