Amniotic Umbilical Cord Particulate for Discogenic Pain
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Amniotic membrane and umbilical cord (AMUC) particulate injections show promise for discogenic low back pain. This treatment may offer pain relief and is safe for patients unresponsive to conservative therapies.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Discogenic low back pain is a leading cause of disability globally.
- Current treatments offer limited efficacy and long-term pain relief.
- Amniotic membrane and umbilical cord (AMUC) particulate may reduce inflammation and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of AMUC particulate injections for discogenic pain.
- To evaluate AMUC particulate as a novel treatment for persistent low back pain.
Main Methods:
- Patients with confirmed discogenic pain refractory to 6 months of conservative therapy received intradiscal AMUC particulate injections.
- Injections were administered to cervical, lumbar, and lumbosacral discs.
- Outcomes were assessed based on reported pain relief and adverse events.
Main Results:
- 11 patients with 20 affected discs were treated.
- Median pain relief reported was 40% at 1 month, 50% at 3 months, and 75% at 6 months.
- No adverse events were reported; one patient achieved complete pain relief, while two reported no improvement.
Conclusions:
- Intradiscal AMUC particulate injection appears to be a safe treatment option.
- AMUC particulate may provide symptomatic pain relief for select patients with discogenic pain.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
