Highlights
- Today’s Research Article: PRP Beats Steroids for Disc Pain — Backed by Real Patients, Real Results.
- Questions from the Field: How Much Anesthetic? What Sling? Dr. DeMers Breaks It Down.
- Let’s Get Down to Business: Why Most Medical Marketing Fails — and What Actually Works.
- Come Join Us in Vegas: Regenerative Medicine & Ultrasound, Hands-On and In-Person.
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Today’s Research Article
“Platelet-Rich Plasma” epidural injection an emerging strategy in lumbar disc herniation: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Asarn Wongjarupong, Saran Pairuchvej , Panyajarn Laohapornsvan, Vit Kotheeranurak, Khanathip Jitpakdee, Chunrutai Yeekian and Pongsthorn Chanplakorn
Summary:
This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus traditional epidural steroid injections (ESI) in patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation (HNP) who had failed conservative treatment. Thirty patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups (15 per arm). The PRP group received transforaminal epidural injections prepared from autologous blood, while the ESI group received triamcinolone with lidocaine. Over 24 weeks, patients were assessed for leg pain (LegVAS), back pain (BackVAS), functional disability (ODI), adverse events, and treatment failure. No serious complications occurred in either group.
The study found that PRP significantly outperformed triamcinolone in reducing leg pain at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, with improvements exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. While back pain and disability scores improved in both groups, the PRP group showed comparable or better trends. Additionally, no patients in the PRP group required surgery, unlike the steroid group, where 2 patients did. The findings highlight PRP's regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting it as a promising, safe, and longer-lasting alternative for managing lumbar radiculopathy caused by disc herniation.
Doctor-to-Patient Talking Points on Why to Choose PRP (Based on the Study):
