Effectiveness of plasma rich in growth factors in the management of chronic spinal pain: a case series of 32 patients

Abstract

Background: This prospective, case-series study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and to identify the features of the responsive patients. Materials & methods: PRGF was injected into the intervertebral disc, epidural space and/or facet and sacroiliac joints of 32 patients with chronic LBP. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by algo-functional scores after 3 and 6 months. Results: Overall, the patients did not ameliorate after PRGF treatment, although eight patients showed an algo-functional improvement. They were mainly males treated at two sites who were younger, less sedentary and with fewer musculoskeletal co-morbidities than the nonresponders. Conclusion: PRGF is a potential treatment in a specific subpopulation of difficult-to-treat patients affected by chronic LBP.