Platelet-rich plasma therapy for low back pain: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
Xiaolong Pei, Chunhua Liu, Jiayan Wang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis assessed randomized controlled trials of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for low back pain. Across 15 trials involving 740 patients, PRP was associated with lower pain intensity than control (SMD: -1.32; 95% CI: -2.06 to -0.59; P = 0.001) and less pain-related disability (SMD: -1.04; 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.41; P < 0.001). Benefits were reported at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Results varied by pain type: non-discogenic pain improved consistently, while longer-term effects for discogenic pain were uncertain.
Key findings
- Across 15 RCTs (740 patients), PRP reduced pain versus controls (SMD: -1.32; 95% CI: -2.06 to -0.59; P = 0.001).
- Pain-related disability was lower with PRP (SMD: -1.04; 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.41; P < 0.001).
- Significant benefits were reported at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months; non-discogenic pain improved consistently across time points.
- For discogenic pain, benefit was significant at 1 month, but later effects were inconsistent.
Why it matters
The pooled findings suggest PRP injections may reduce pain and disability for up to 6 months in people with low back pain. However, the differing results by pain type and substantial heterogeneity make the overall estimates less certain. These findings help frame PRP as a treatment under evaluation rather than establishing a uniform effect across low back pain populations.
What to keep in mind
The authors report substantial heterogeneity across studies, and longer-term effects for discogenic pain could not be reliably demonstrated.