Platelet-rich plasma superior for lumbar facet joint syndrome

(HealthDay)—For intra-articular injection autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and local anesthetic (LA)/corticosteroid are effective, easy, and safe in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Pain Practice.

Jiuping Wu, from Jilin University in Changchun, China, and colleagues randomized 46 patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome into group A (intra-articular injection with PRP) and group B (intra-articular injection with LA/corticosteroid). Outcome assessments were performed immediately after and at one week, one month, two months, three months, and six months after treatment.

The researchers found that, compared with pretreatment, both group A and group B demonstrated statistical improvements in the pain visual analogue scale score at rest or during flexion, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the Oswestry Disability Index (P < 0.01). There were also significant differences between the groups for these measures (P < 0.05). Based on the modified MacNab criteria for pain relief, for group B, subjective satisfaction criteria and objective success rate were highest (80 and 85 percent, respectively) after one month, but only 50 and 20 percent, respectively, after six months. For group A, however, the measures increased over time.

"Both autologous PRP and LA/corticosteroid for intra-articular injection are effective, easy, and safe enough in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome," the authors write. "However, autologous PRP is a superior treatment option for longer duration efficacy."