Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Facet Mediated Low Back Pain: A Comprehensive Review

Patel A, Koushik S, Schwartz R, Gritsenko K., Fahra F., Urits I., Varrassi G., Viswanath O., Shaparin N. Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Facet Mediated Low Back Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Orthopedic Reviews. 2022;14(4). doi:10.52965/001c.37076

Abstract

Background: Facet-mediated pain is a major cause of low back pain and as a result, is a significant cause of morbidity, including disability and reduced functionality.

Setting: The present investigation involved a PubMed literature review between June 1, and 2021-January 1, 2022.

Methods: We systematically reviewed was carried Pubmed using the search terms “platelet-rich plasma”, “inflammatory mediators”, “facet arthropathy”, “axial back pain”, and “leukoreduction”. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 3 independent reviewers. Out of the studies analyzed 2 were retrospective, while 1 was a prospective study.

Results: PRP injections for facet mediated or modulated pain are an alternative to conventional pharmacotherapies and interventional injections/radiofrequency. There are limited numbers of studies in world literature at present.

Limitations: Small number of articles in the world literature and small numbers of patients in those published studies.

Conclusions: At present, there are limited studies in the literature; however, larger well-designed studies are warranted to precisely understand efficacy, potential side effects and best practice techniques for PRP injections for facet mediated or modulated pain.