Introduction:
Lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) disorders are associated not only with back pain but also with the onset of lower limb neurological symptoms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a high concentration of various bioactive proteins and has tissue regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of PRP injection therapy in improving lower back pain and lower limb neurological symptoms in patients with lumbar IVD disorders.
Methods:
Patients with chronic lower back pain persisting for more than three months (with or without accompanying lower limb pain and numbness) who were diagnosed with intervertebral disc disorders (including disc degeneration, disc tears, disc bulging, and herniation) on lumbar MRI (L1/2–L5/S1) were included. PRP was prepared using the Arthrex ACP Double Syringe™ and injected (2–4 ml) into the affected discs under fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain, leg pain, leg numbness, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Assessments were performed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, with statistical analysis of changes from baseline and calculation of improvement rates.
Results:
Seventy-three patients (mean age 46.4 years; 50 males, 23 females) were included, with an average follow-up period of 6.5 months. VAS scores for back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness significantly decreased compared to baseline (P<0.01), with 1-year improvement rates of 46%, 56.1%, and 58.7%, respectively. The JOA score increased significantly over time (P<0.05), with a 12-month improvement rate of 44.8%. QOL evaluations also showed significant improvements (P<0.05), with 12-month ODI and EQ-5D improvement rates of 40.1% and 54.3%, respectively.
Discussion:
PRP injection therapy for lumbar intervertebral disc disorders effectively improved not only back pain but also lower limb neurological symptoms, leading to enhanced QOL. The findings suggest that alleviating the inflammatory environment in degenerated discs contributed to pain and neurological symptom improvements. Further studies, including multi-center trials and long-term follow-ups, are needed to establish stronger evidence.