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Percutaneous Intradiscal Hydrogel Implantation Versus Sham Control for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Randomized
Eva Koetsier1,2,3, Hannah Engel2, Paolo Maino1,4
1Pain Management Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland.
Pain Physician
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Intradiscal hydrogel implantation showed promising results for chronic discogenic low back pain, significantly improving patient perception of change and disability. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in reducing pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease is a primary cause of low back pain.
- Current treatments offer limited success and carry risks.
- Novel interventions are needed to bridge the gap between conservative care and surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intradiscal hydrogel implantation versus a sham treatment for chronic discogenic low back pain.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial involving 49 patients.
- Patients received either intradiscal hydrogel or a saline sham injection.
- Primary outcome was pain improvement at 6 months; secondary outcomes included disability and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel group showed improved pain scores (P=0.070) and statistically significant within-group disability improvements.
- A significantly higher proportion of hydrogel patients reported substantial improvement (P=0.008).
- No significant group differences in disability, quality of life, or employment status were observed.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous intradiscal hydrogel implantation may alleviate chronic discogenic pain and disability.
- Significant improvements in Patient Global Impression of Change suggest patient-reported benefits.
- Larger trials are necessary to definitively establish the efficacy of hydrogel therapy.
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