Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Relieving Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective 

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma in reducing sacroiliac joint disability and pain.

Design 

Prospective nonrandomized interventional study analyzing 50 patients with low back pain secondary to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Platelet-rich plasma was injected into the sacroiliac joint under ultrasound guidance. Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Rating Scale were measured at baseline, 2 wks, 4 wks, 3 mos, and 6 mos after injection.

Results 

The mean reduction in Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Rating Scale scores were significantly reduced at 6 mos after injection compared with baseline values (mean = −9.79%, 95% CI = −6.06 to −13.52) and (mean = −1.94, 95% CI = −1.14 to −2.78), respectively. All timeframes showed significant mean reduction compared with baseline, but overall improvement tapers off after 4 wks with no statistically significant reduction from 4 wks to 3 mos or 3 to 6 mos.

Conclusions 

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections in the sacroiliac joint are effective at reducing disability and pain with most improvement seen within 4 wks after injection and with sustained reduction at 6 mos.