Case series of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Current Review of Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Spine-Related Pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Persistent spinal pain syndromes are pervasive and lead to functional impairment, increased healthcare utilization, potential disability, and high societal costs. Spinal (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint) pain includes mechanical, degenerative, inflammatory, oncologic, and infectious etiologies. Regenerative medicine is a novel biotechnology targeting mechanical, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions believed to cause pain. Preparations including platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells (adipose tissue and bone marrow aspirate concentrates), and growth factors are derived from an autologous donor. The goal of intervention through guided injection of the regenerative media is to reduce inflammation and reverse the degenerative cascade in hopes of restoring normal cellular composition (physiologic homeostasis) and anatomical function to improve pain and function. The authors review limited research supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma injections for facet joint arthropathy and sacroiliac joint pain compared to traditional steroid treatments, as well as the use of platelet rich plasma or mesenchymal stem cells for lumbar discogenic and radicular pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence to support regenerative medicine for spine-related pain is limited. Although several studies demonstrated a reduction in pain, many of these studies had a small number of participants and were case series or prospective trials. Regenerative medicine treatments lack evidence for the treatment of spine-related pain. Large randomized controlled trials are needed with consistent study protocols to make further recommendations.

Advances in Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Spinal Diseases: A Systematic Review

Spinal diseases are commonly associated with pain and neurological symptoms, which negatively impact patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous source of multiple growth factors and cytokines, with the potential to promote tissue regeneration. Recently, PRP has been widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, including spinal diseases, in clinics. Given the increasing popularity of PRP therapy, this article examines the current literature for basic research and emerging clinical applications of this therapy for treating spinal diseases. First, we review in vitro and in vivo studies, evaluating the potential of PRP in repairing intervertebral disc degeneration, promoting bone union in spinal fusion surgeries, and aiding in neurological recovery from spinal cord injury. Second, we address the clinical applications of PRP in treating degenerative spinal disease, including its analgesic effect on low back pain and radicular pain, as well as accelerating bone union during spinal fusion surgery. Basic research demonstrates the promising regenerative potential of PRP, and clinical studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of PRP therapy for treating several spinal diseases. Nevertheless, further high-quality randomized controlled trials would be required to establish clinical evidence of PRP therapy.

Current State of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Treatment of Rheumatic Disease: A Retrospective Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatic diseases are a spectrum of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that cause damage to the musculoskeletal system as well as vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system.

METHODS

The study of rheumatic disease has made great progress in the understanding and management of these conditions in the last few decades using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and synthesized biological immunomodulating therapies. However, one potential treatment that has not been well investigated in rheumatic disease is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is proposed to facilitate the healing of injured tendons and ligaments through a variety of mechanisms, including mitogenesis, angiogenesis and macrophage activation via cytokine release, although its exact mechanism is unclear.

RESULT

There has been a great deal of work in determining the exact preparation method and composition of PRP for regenerative purposes in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, dentistry, cardiac surgery, pediatric surgery, gynecology, urology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and dermatology. Despite this, there is a paucity of research on the impact of PRP on rheumatic disease.

CONCLUSION

This study aims to summarize and evaluate the current research concerning the use of PRP in rheumatic disease.

Application of platelet-rich plasma in spinal surgery

With the aging of the population and changes in lifestyle, the incidence of spine-related diseases is increasing, which has become a major global public health problem; this results in a huge economic burden on the family and society. Spinal diseases and complications can lead to loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Therefore, it is necessary to identify effective treatment strategies. Currently, the treatment of spine-related diseases includes conservative, surgical, and minimally invasive interventional therapies. However, these treatment methods have several drawbacks such as drug tolerance and dependence, adjacent spondylosis, secondary surgery, infection, nerve injury, dural rupture, nonunion, and pseudoarthrosis. Further, it is more challenging to promote the regeneration of the interstitial disc and restore its biomechanical properties. Therefore, clinicians urgently need to identify methods that can limit disease progression or cure diseases at the etiological level. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a platelet-rich form of plasma extracted from venous blood, is a blood-derived product. Alpha granules contain a large number of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor, platelet factor 4 (PF-4), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). These growth factors allow stem cell proliferation and angiogenesis, promote bone regeneration, improve the local microenvironment, and enhance tissue regeneration capacity and functional recovery. This review describes the application of PRP in the treatment of spine-related diseases and discusses the clinical application of PRP in spinal surgery.

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich-plasma injections for reducing sacroiliac joint pain: A paradigmatic case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) pain is an often-misdiagnosed cause (up to 30% cases) of atypical low back pain (LBP) that might be treated with a wide range of conservative interventions. However, Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) ultrasound-guided injections at SIJ level in subjects with mitochondrial disorders have not yet been investigated.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year-old Caucasian male with fluoroquinolone-related mitochondrial dysfunction referred to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient, complaining of severe SIJ pain (Numeric Pain Related Scale, NPRS=8). We performed two bilateral PRP ultrasound-guided injections at the sacro-iliac level. PRP is a simple, efficient, and minimally invasive approach. After the first PRP injection, there was a considerable reduction of pain (NPRS=8 vs 5). The second PRP infiltration was performed after 2 weeks and in both cases no adverse events. At the 6-month follow-up evaluation, the patient showed good physical recovery, with the absence of pain (NPRS=0).

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature assessing the safety and effectiveness of PRP ultrasound-guided injections for SIJ pain in a patient affected by mitochondrial disorders. Thus, this case report might have relevant clinical implications in the treatment of SIJ pain in patients affected by this rare pathological condition, albeit further observational studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Regenerative Medicine: Pharmacological Considerations and Clinical Role in Pain Management

Purpose of Review

Low back pain affects at least 80% of individuals at some point in their lifetime and is the fifth most common reason for physician visits in the USA. Treatment of an acute episode of LBP generally includes rest, activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and patient education.

Recent Findings

A small percentage of patients will develop chronic pain lasting > 6 months duration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the main pillars of regenerative medicine, as its release of bioactive proteins supports the aim of RM of restoring the anatomical function in degenerative conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells, multipotent progenitor cells, or marrow stromal cells found in various body tissues, including bone marrow, lung, and adipose tissue. Evidence from well-designed case–control or cohort studies for the use of PRP and MSCs in lumbar facet joint, lumbar epidural, and sacroiliac joint injections is currently described as level IV evidence. PRP and MSCs are used autogenously to help facilitate the healing process, and their injection has been studied in the long-term management of discogenic low back pain. PRP has been compared to steroid injections in the sacroiliac joint for chronic low back pain, with favorable results. MSCs have also been shown to be useful in intervertebral disc regeneration and treatment of chronic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease.

Summary

Currently, the price for these treatments is extremely high, and thus the standard of care continues to be steroid injections and other treatments. This could change, however, with more robust data and research on the safety and long-term efficacy of biologics compared to other interventional management.

Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a significant spinal disorder that affects much of the population at some point during their lives.

OBJECTIVE

While proper diagnosis is key, diagnosing the underlying cause of low back pain may often be unclear.

METHOD

In this review article, we discuss lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy.

RESULTS

Spinal ligaments may be an underlying culprit in the development of lumbar instability with resultant low back pain and associated disorders.

CONCLUSION

In these cases, adequate treatment consisting of non-biologic prolotherapy or cellular prolotherapy, including platelet rich plasma (PRP), can be beneficial in restoring spinal stability and resolving chronic low back pain.

Minimally Invasive and Conservative Interventions for the Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Review of Recent Literature

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is responsible for approximately 15-25% of reported back pain. Patients with SIJ pain report some of the lowest quality of life scores of any chronic disease. Understanding of the physiology and pathology of the SI joint has changed dramatically over the years, and SI joint pain and injury can now be thought of in two broad categories: traumatic and atraumatic. Both categories of SI joint injury are thought to be caused by inflammation or injury of the joint capsule, ligaments, or subchondral bone in the SI joint. Treatment of SI joint pain usually involves a multi-pronged approach, utilizing both, multi-modal medical pain control and interventional pain/surgical techniques such as steroid injections, radiofrequency nerve ablation, and minimally invasive sacroiliac arthrodesis. Though conservative management through multi-modal pain control and physical therapy have their role as first line therapies, an increasing body of evidence supports the use of minimally invasive procedures, both as adjuvant treatments to conservative management and as second line therapies for patient's that fail first line treatment.

Chiropractic case reports: a review and bibliometric analysis

Objective

To determine publication trends, gaps, and predictors of citation of chiropractic case reports (CRs).

Methods

A bibliometric review was conducted by searching PubMed, Index to Chiropractic Literature (ICL), and Google Scholar to identify PubMed-indexed CRs, which were screened according to selection criteria. Case reports were categorized by International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) code, patient age, topic describing case management or adverse effects of care, focus being spinal or non-spinal, journal type, integrative authorship, title metrics, and citation metrics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of citations per year and total citations greater than the median values.

Results

The search identified 1176 chiropractic CRs meeting selection criteria. There was an increasing trend of CRs having a case management topic, non-spinal focus, non-chiropractic journal, neuromusculoskeletal-focus, diagnosis of vascular pathology, and a decreasing trend of adverse effect vascular pathology CRs. Independent predictors of greater total citations (or citation rate) included ICD-10 categories of perinatal conditions, infections, “case” in title, case management topic, and physical therapy, integrative, and dental journal type. Predictors of fewer citations included diseases of the blood, neoplasms, other findings not elsewhere classified, a title > 11 words, and multidisciplinary authorship. ICD-10 categories describing non-musculoskeletal diseases and special populations such as pediatrics, pregnancy, and perinatal conditions had few CRs.

Conclusion

Chiropractic CRs are diversifying from spine-related topics. Chiropractors are encouraged to publish objective, structured CRs within defined research gaps. Published CRs can inform the design of future research studies with a higher level of clinical relevance and evidence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-021-00374-5.

Platelet-rich plasma: a narrative review

The aim of this article was to synopsize platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in musculoskeletal pathologies through evidence-based assessment of the preparation, classification, mechanism of action and applications of PRP, thereby answering which PRP type is best for each clinical indication.

The literature search was performed using Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Reviews databases for papers containing the key terms “platelet-rich plasma” AND “orthopaedics” AND (“classification” OR “mechanism of action” OR “preparation” OR “clinical application”). Generated papers were evaluated for pertinence in following areas: preparation, classification, mechanism of action, clinical application within orthopaedics. Non-English papers were excluded. Included studies were evaluated for quality.

Sixty studies were included in our review. There are many commercial PRP preparation kits with differing component concentrations. There is no consensus on optimal component concentrations. Multiple PRP classifications exist but none have been validated. Platelet-rich plasma acts via growth factors (GFs) released from α-granules within platelets. Growth factors have been shown to be beneficial in healing. Grossly elevated concentrations of GFs may have inhibitory effects on healing. Multiple systematic reviews show efficacy of PRP in tendinopathies, early osteoarthritis, acute muscle injuries and in combination with rotator cuff repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The literature suggests leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) is more beneficial in tendinopathies and pure PRP (P-PRP) is more beneficial in cartilage pathology. However, different PRP preparations have not been directly compared in any pathology. Classification of PRP type is frequently not stated in research. Standardization of PRP research parameters is needed to streamline findings and generate clear indications for PRP types to yield maximum clinical benefit.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:225-235. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200017

Cellular transplantation and platelet-rich plasma injections for discogenic pain: a contemporary review

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the leading cause of chronic back pain. It is a pathologic condition associated with aging and is believed to result from catabolic excess in the intervertebral discs' (IVD) extracellular matrix. Two new treatment options are intradiscal cellular transplantation and growth factor therapy. Recent investigations on the use of these therapies are discussed and compared with emerging evidence supporting novel cellular injections. At present, human and animal studies provide a compelling rationale for the use of cellular injections in the treatment of discogenic pain. Since DDD results from the IVD extracellular matrix's unmitigated catabolism, cellular injections are used to induce regeneration and homeostasis in the IVD. Here, we review intervertebral disc anatomy, DDD pathophysiology and clinical considerations, as well as the current and emerging literature investigating outcomes associated with cellular transplantation and platelet-rich plasma for discogenic pain. Further high-quality trials are certainly warranted.

Pain and functional outcomes of the sacroiliac joint after platelet-rich plasma injection: a descriptive review

The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight and review the status of literature regarding efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction. A review of the literature on PRP interventions on the SIJ or ligaments was performed. Seven studies had improvements in their respective primary end point and demonstrated a strong safety profile without any serious adverse events. Only five articles demonstrated clinical efficacy of >50% in their primary outcome measures. There appears to be inconsistent and insufficient evidence for a conclusive recommendation for or against SIJ PRP. There is a need for adequately powered well-designed, standardized, double-blinded randomized clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of PRP in SIJ-mediated pain.

The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for the Treatment of Suspected Sacroiliac Joint Complex Pain; a Systematic Review

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) for the treatment of suspected sacroiliac joint complex (SIJC) pain.

Design

Systematic review.

Subjects

Persons aged ≥18 with suspected SIJC pain.

Comparison

Sham, placebo procedure, or active standard of care treatment.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was ≥50% pain improvement, and the secondary outcome was functional improvement of ≥30% at three or more months after the treatment intervention.

Methods

Publications in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Databases were reviewed up to April 3, 2019. Randomized or nonrandomized comparative studies and nonrandomized studies without internal controls were included. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system and the joint consensus American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery/National Institutes of Health recommendations were used for quality assessment and reporting standards.

Results

Query identified 151 publications; three were appropriate for inclusion. There were no studies of BMAC that met inclusion criteria. There were three eligible PRP studies: one randomized comparative trial (RCT) and two case series. In the single RCT comparing ultrasound-guided PRP with corticosteroid injection for suspected SIJC pain, the PRP group had a significantly increased likelihood of achieving ≥50% improvement of pain at three months (adjusted odds ratio = 37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.65–298.69). Pooled pain outcomes from two studies showed that 28/30, 93% (95% CI = 93–100%), experienced ≥50% pain improvement at three months.

Conclusions

The literature supporting the effectiveness of PRP for SIJC pain is very low-quality according to the GRADE system. Well-designed RCTs and large cohort studies with consistent selection protocols and reporting characteristics are needed to determine the effectiveness of PRP and BMAC for the treatment of SIJC pain.

Regenerative Medicine for Axial and Radicular Spine-Related Pain: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Regenerative injection-based therapy has established itself as a therapeutic option for the management of a variety of painful musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of this work was to review the current literature regarding regenerative injection therapy for axial/radicular spine pain.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the use of regenerative medicine for axial/radicular spine pain. Eligible articles analyzed the therapeutic injection effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prolotherapy, or mesenchymal signaling cells (MSCs) via intradiscal, facet joint, epidural, or sacroiliac joint delivery.

RESULTS

Regarding intradiscal PRP, there are level I/IV studies supporting its use. Regarding intradiscal prolotherapy, there are level III to IV studies supporting its use. Regarding intradiscal MSCs, there are level I/IV studies supporting its use with the exception of one level IV study that found no significant improvement at 12 months. Regarding facet joint injections with PRP, there are level I/IV studies supporting its use. Regarding facet joint injections with prolotherapy, there are level IV studies supporting its use, though the one level I study did not demonstrate any statistical significance supporting its use. Regarding epidural injections with PRP, there are level I/IV studies supporting its use. Regarding epidural injections with prolotherapy, there are level IV studies supporting its use, though the one level I study did not demonstrate statistical significance beyond 48 hours. Regarding sacroiliac joint injections with PRP, there are level I/IV studies supporting its use. Regarding sacroiliac joint injections with prolotherapy, there are level I/III studies supporting its use.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there are level I studies to support the use of PRP and MSC injections for discogenic pain; facet joint injections with PRP; epidural injections of autologous conditioned serum and epidural prolotherapy; and PRP and prolotherapy for sacroiliac joint pain. One level I study showed that facet joint prolotherapy has no significant benefit. Notably, no intervention has multiple published level I studies.

Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of coccydynia: a case report and review of regenerative medicine for coccydynia

Aim: To describe the successful treatment of coccydynia using ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma. Setting: Outpatient orthopedic practice. Patient: 17-year-old female with BMI of 42.6. Case description: The patient presented with 6 months of nontraumatic coccygeal pain exacerbated by sitting. Physical exam was significant for point-tenderness over the sacral hiatus and coccyx. A corticosteroid injection around the sacrococcygeal ligament was administered with immediate resolution of her pain following the injection with the anesthetic. The patient reported significant pain relief for 1 week. The superficial sacrococcygeal ligament was then treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection under US guidance. Results: The patient reported a 70% improvement in pain and sitting tolerance at 6 weeks. By 6 months post injection, her pain was 100% resolved, and she remained pain free at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma may be considered as a treatment option in patients with refractory coccydynia.

Diagnosis and interventional pain management options for sacroiliac joint pain

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is among the most common sources of chronic low back pain, accounting for 15%–30% of patients presenting chronic low back pain. The complex anatomic structures, nerve innervation, and functional biomechanisms of the SI region make it challenging to diagnose and treat the SI joint as a pain source. In addition to physical therapy and medication for treating SI joint pain, multiple interventional measures including steroid injection, radiofrequency ablation, prolotherapy, and SI joint fusion have been proposed with various efficacies. This article describes the etiology, risk factors, and diagnostic methods as well as the different treatment modalities, focusing on interventional pain management options for patients suffering from SI joint pain.

Use of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection of the Sacroiliac Joint as a Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

Back pain and its associated complications are of increasing importance among military members. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a common source of chronic low back pain (LBP) and functional disability. Many patients suffering from chronic LBP utilize opioids to help control their symptoms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used extensively to treat pain emanating from many different musculoskeletal origins; however, its use in the SIJ has been studied only on a limited basis. The patient in this case report presented with chronic LBP localized to the SIJ and subsequent functional disability managed with high-dose opioids. After failure of traditional treatments, she was given an ultrasound-guided PRP injection of the SIJ which drastically decreased her pain and disability and eventually allowed for complete opioid cessation. Her symptom relief continued 1 year after the injection. This case demonstrates the potential of ultrasound-guided PRP injections as a long-term treatment for chronic LBP caused by SIJ dysfunction in military service members, which can also aid in the weaning of chronic opioid use.

Percutaneous injection of autologous platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich plasma in sacroiliac joint dysfunction: An applied comparative study

BACKGROUND

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain. Injection of autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the affected joint is a new option in this disorder management.

OBJECTIVE

To compare platelet concentrates (PRP and PRF) in injectable form in sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

METHODS

This is a non-randomized controlled trial between two groups (124 PRF patients and 62 PRP patients). All cases are treated by sacroiliac joint injection for sacroiliac joint pain.

RESULTS

Over 6 months of follow-up, there were statistically significant improvements in participants who received SIJ PRF injection with regards to pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), in comparison to PRP. In the two groups (PRF and PRP), there was significant difference in the post 2 VAS (6 months after the procedure) as the P value was 0.045. There was no significant difference in the pre VAS (P value of 0.909) and post 1 VAS (one month after the procedure) as the P value was 0.154. No adverse events of infection, neurologic injury, or any other complication were reported following the injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants who received SIJ PRF experienced significant clinical improvement compared to those who received PRP in the late follow-up.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Low Back Pain: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Back pain is a growing problem worldwide, incurring enormous economic costs and disability. Current treatment modalities often provide adequate relief but fail to address underlying conditions. Regenerative cellular modalities aim to restore anatomical function in degenerative conditions which may cause low back pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) consists of an increased concentration of autologous platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma. PRP can be administered via injection or topically and is prepared using various techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

While a unifying mechanism of action is not well understood, biochemical and cellular changes involved in inflammation and mechanical structure have been detected in both in vitro and in vivo studies. At a higher level, PRP injection research utilizing animal models and patient data have provided insights into pain relief, chondroprotection, and factors that impact the therapy's efficacy. Recently, a small number of studies have promoted PRP injection as a relatively safe means of treating patients with degenerative disc disease who have failed other means of managing their lower back pain. PRP injections for sacroiliac joint-related pain are not an accepted or common treatment modality; the evidence for their efficacy remains to be seen outside of small RCTs and case reports. A small number of prospective trials have suggested there may be some benefit to using PRP injection in the treatment of pain or functional decline caused by facet joint arthropathy. These commonly used modalities require further study to improve quality of evidence and to investigate the safety and efficacy of PRP injections for various common causes of chronic low back.