Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroids in facet joint syndrome: A controlled, randomized, double-blind study

The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate the superiority of platelet-rich plasma injections in treating facet joint syndrome, compared to corticosteroid injections. Secondary objectives were to assess the efficacy of PRP compared to CTC on pain, functional impact, tolerance, and healthcare utilization following the initial infiltrative management.

Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive intra-articular injections into the painful facet joints with either PRP or CTC under radiographic guidance. The primary outcome measure was a 50% improvement in the NRS (from 0 to 10) for spontaneous lumbar pain at 6months.

Superiority, controlled, randomized (1:1), prospective, double-blind study.

A total of 76 patients were included, at 6months, 6 patients in the PRP group and 5 in the CTC group showed a 50% improvement in spontaneous NRS. No statistically significant differences were found in pain at 3, 6, or 12months. Regarding functional evaluation, a statistically significant difference was observed in the PRP group at 3months according to the ODI. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of satisfaction. Four patients experienced transient adverse effects, only 1 in the PRP group.

In patients with facet joint syndrome, PRP injections did not demonstrate superiority over CTC injections in terms of pain relief or clinically significant functional improvement at 6months. These results do not support the use of PRP injections for facet joint syndrome.