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Abstract
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Background and Aims Discogenic pain is the most common cause of low back pain (LBP). Intradiscal Pulsed Radiofrequency (ID-PRF) is used for the treatment of discogenic LBP. The effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on IVD degeneration has been investigated in vitro and in animal models, with significant reparative effects. We investigated the efficacy of ID-PRF plus PRP in patients with discogenic LBP.
Methods We collect patients treated with ID-PRF and PRP in our hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. Thirty-four patients were included. The patients were treated with ID-PRF plus PRP into pulpous nucleus. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) at 1, 3 and 6-months. Success was defined as a reduction in NRS11 of 50% or more.
Results The mean age was 50.1 (SD 9.9) years, with 53% of female patients and 23% of patients received opioids, mainly tramadol. The treated levels were thirteen patients L4-L5, fourteen L5-S1 and five L4-L5 and L5-S1. The preprocedural NRS was 7.76 (SD 1.18) in a 0 to 10 scale. There was a median decrease of NRS of 2 points at 1 month, 4 points at 3 months and 2 points at 6 months, being statistically significant (Kruskall-Wallis p<0.001) (figure 1). The relief of 50% or more of baseline pain is observed in 46% of patients at the first month and in 60% of patients at 3 and 6 months.
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) at baseline, 1, 3 and 6-months
Conclusions In patients with discogenic LBP, ID-PRF plus PRP significantly decreased pain at one month and this improvement was improved, at 3 and 6 months.