Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Facet Mediated Low Back Pain: A Comprehensive Review
Aakash Patel, Sarang Koushik, Ruben Schwartz, Karina Gritsenko, Ivan Urits, Fadi Farah, Giustino Varrassi, Omar Viswanath, Naum Shaparin
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.