Background: Low back pain (LBP) has a high economic burden and is strongly related to the degenerative process of the spine, especially in the intervertebral disc and of the facet joints. Numerous treatment modalities have been proposed for the management of LBP, and the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as an innovative therapeutic option for degenerative disease of the spine. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PRP injections in managing low back pain. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, a registered at PROSPERO Systematic Reviews Platform, under number CRD42021268491. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant articles, along with hand searching to identify gray literature articles, with no language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), nonrandomized trials (NRTs), and case series (CSs) with more than 10 patients were considered eligible. The quality assessment and the risk of bias of the randomized clinical trials were evaluated using the RoB II tool. An evaluation of the description of the preparation methods was performed using an adapted version of the MIBO checklist. Results: An electronic database search resulted in 2324 articles, and after the exclusion of noneligible articles, 13 RCTs and 27 NRTs or CSs were analyzed. Of the 13 RCTs, 11 found favorable results in comparison to the control group in pain and disability, one showed no superiority to the control group, and one was discontinued because of the lack of therapeutic effect at eight-week evaluation. Description of the PRP preparation techniques were found in almost all papers. The overall risk of bias was considered high in 2 papers and low in 11. An adapted MIBO checklist showed a 72.7% compliance rate in the selected areas. Conclusions: In this systematic review, we analyzed articles from English, Spanish and Russian language, from large databases and grey literature. PRP was in general an effective and safe treatment for degenerative LPB. Positive results were found in almost studies, a small number of adverse events were related, the risk of bias of the RCTs was low. Based on the evaluation of the included studies, we graded as level II the quality of the evidence supporting the use of PRP in LBP. Large-scale, multicenter RCTs are still needed to confirm these findings.

To describe and analyze a new protocol for the extraction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for use in clinical practice and compare this technique with methods that have been previously described in the medical literature. We extracted PRP from 20 volunteers using four different protocols (single spin at 1600 ×g, single spin at 600 ×g, double spin at 300 and 700 ×g, and double spin at 600 and 900 ×g). In another group of 12 individuals, we extracted PRP with our new technique (named 'turn down-turn up') consisting of a double spin (200 ×g and 1600 ×g) closed system using standard laboratory equipment (including an ordinary benchtop centrifuge), where the blood remained in the same tube during all processes, reducing the risk of contamination. Platelet counts adjusted to baseline values were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Using the four previously described protocols (mentioned above), we obtained concentrations of platelets that were 1.15-, 2.07-, 2.18-, and 3.19-fold greater than the baseline concentration, respectively. With the turn down-turn up technique, we obtained a platelet count that was 4.17-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.09 to 5.25) greater than the baseline platelet count (p=0.063 compared with the double spin at 600 and 900 ×g method). The total cost of the disposable materials used in the extraction process was less than US$10.00 per individual. In the present study, we described a simple and safe method for obtaining PRP using low-cost devices.

Objective: To describe and analyze a new protocol for the extraction of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for use in clinical practice and compare this technique with methods that have been previously described in the medical literature. Methods: Sixteen blood samples from healthy volunteers were collected. PRP was prepared using our new double-spin technique, consisting of successive centrifugation of blood samples with two different spins, without opening the container. Descriptive analysis of cell counts in baseline and PRP samples was undertaken. Comparison between cell and platelet count in baseline and PRP samples, as well as the statistical analysis, were done. Results: The mean platelet concentration ratio was 3.47 (SD: 0.85; 95% CI: 3.01-3.92; range: 2.48-5.71). The baseline whole blood platelet count correlated positively to the PRP platelet count (rP = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.09-0.88; P = 0.023). The PRP was enriched for lymphocytes and monocytes but presented significantly lower counts of neutrophils and eosinophils in comparison to baseline. Conclusion: Results show a safe and easily reproducible method to obtain PRP for use in clinical daily practice.

Aim: To evaluate the use of a multitarget platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection approach for the treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP). Materials & Methods: Forty-six patients with more than 12 w... Lay abstract Back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Most long-term (chronic) low back pain cases involve one or more parts of the spine causing the pain. This study describes 46 people...

Resumo: A dor é a queixa mais comum recebida pelo ortopedista no ambulatório e/ou emergência. Inúmeras publicações relatam o manejo inadequado tanto da dor aguda quanto da dor crônica pelos profissionais da saúde. O objetivo desse artigo de atualização é trazer informações sobre a dor musculoesquelética, sua classificação, avaliação, diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica multimodal para cada situação. Desta maneira, nas dores agudas seu controle adequado possibilita um trabalho de reabilitação mais precoce, bem como diminui os índices de cronificação da dor. Nas dores crônicas sua abordagem além da diminuição de sua intensidade, visa também melhorar a qualidade de vida. Atualmente alguns procedimentos estão sendo cada vez mais utilizados com auxílio de aparato de imagem com objetivo diagnóstico e terapêutico.

Introduction: Chronic low back pain is one of the most prevalent health conditions, with significant social and economic impact. Its increasing incidence has driven the demand for new, effective therapeutic alternatives. This study compared the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid injections in the treatment of chronic low back pain of facet joint origin. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial involving patients with chronic low back pain of facet joint origin, selected through a positive response to medial branch block. Epidemiological data and clinical outcomes were analyzed, including disability questionnaires (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Assessments were conducted at baseline, one month, and three months post-procedure. Results: A total of 59 patients were included, with 32 in the corticosteroid group and 27 in the PRP group. No significant differences were found between the treatments in terms of disability scores or the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. However, a significant interaction between treatment and time was observed (p = 0.038). Regarding pain scores, no significant differences were found between groups at any of the assessed time points. Conclusion: The study found no evidence of superiority of platelet-rich plasma over corticosteroid injections in terms of pain reduction and functional outcomes for the treatment of lumbar facet syndrome. Level of evidence: I; Randomized clinical trial.