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  4. Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration on the Intervertebral Disc in Low Back Pain Patients with Modic Type 1 Change: Report of Two Cases

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration on the Intervertebral Disc in Low Back Pain Patients with Modic Type 1 Change: Report of Two Cases

Medicina, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010112 · Published: January 5, 2023

Regenerative MedicinePain ManagementOrthopedics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the intervertebral discs of patients with low back pain (LBP) and Modic type 1 changes, which are signs of inflammation in the spine. PRP is derived from the patient's own blood and contains growth factors that may help with tissue repair and reduce inflammation. The study followed two patients who received PRP injections to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment. The findings suggest that PRP injections might be a safe and potentially effective treatment for LBP associated with Modic type 1 changes, as both patients showed some improvement in pain scores and MRI scans indicated reduced inflammation.

Study Duration
24 weeks
Participants
Two LBP patients with Modic type 1 change
Evidence Level
Case Report

Key Findings

  • 1
    There were no adverse events in physical condition, laboratory data, or lumbar X-rays after injection, suggesting that PRP intradiscal injection is safe.
  • 2
    Follow-up MRI showed a decrease of high signal intensity on T2WI compared to before PRP administration, indicating reduced inflammation.
  • 3
    The pain scores tended to improve after the injection, as measured by VAS, ODI, and RDQ.

Research Summary

This study aimed to verify PRP injection safety and efficacy in LBP patients with Modic type 1. As a preliminary experiment, two LBP cases with Modic type 1 are presented. There were no adverse events in physical condition, laboratory data, or lumbar X-rays after injection. Follow-up MRI showed a decrease of high signal intensity on T2WI compared to before PRP administration. PRP injection into the intervertebral disc of LBP patients with Modic type 1 might be safe and effective.

Practical Implications

Potential Treatment Option

PRP injections may offer a new treatment avenue for patients with LBP and Modic type 1 changes, especially when other treatments have failed.

Objective Improvement

The study showed not only subjective improvements in pain scores but also objective improvements on MRI, suggesting real physiological changes.

Further Research Needed

The authors suggest that further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to establish the efficacy of PRP injections for Modic type 1 LBP.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Small sample size (two cases)
  • 2
    Difficult to determine whether Modic type 1 is the sole cause of LBP
  • 3
    MRI was performed only at 6 months after administration

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