Platelet-Rich Plasma Facet Joint Injections for Post-Traumatic Lumbar Facet-Mediated Pain: A Two-Patient Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Lumbar facet-mediated pain is a frequent cause of axial low back pain, often following injury.
• Standard treatments include medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or corticosteroid injections.
• Some patients seek alternatives to corticosteroids or neuroablative procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating facet-mediated low back pain.
• To present cases of patients who opted for PRP over conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

• Two patients with post-traumatic axial low back pain received lumbar facet joint PRP injections.
• Patients had previously declined or were seeking alternatives to medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and corticosteroid injections.
• Injections were targeted to the clinically painful facet joints.

Main Results:

• The first patient reported ~60% pain relief at 6 weeks post-injection at L3-4 and L4-5 facet joints.
• The second patient reported ~70% sustained pain relief at 6 weeks post-injection at L4-5 and L5-S1 facet joints.
• No complications were observed in either case.

Conclusions:

• Lumbar facet joint PRP injections may offer moderate pain relief in selected patients with suspected facet-mediated pain post-injury.
• This approach is suitable for patients avoiding corticosteroids or ablative procedures.
• Further controlled studies are necessary to optimize PRP use for facet joint pain.