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Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: Pharmacological and Clinical Considerations in Pain Management

  • Regenerative Pain Medicine/Interventional Pain Medicine (E Cornett Bradley, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Regenerative medicine through interventional pain procedures is evolving with data demonstrating efficacy for a number of pain states in recent years. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), defined as a sample of plasma with a platelet concentration 3 to 5 times greater than the physiologic platelet concentration found in healthy whole blood, releases bioactive proteins which can restore anatomical function in degenerative states. PRP is dense in growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, basic fibroblastic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factors.

Recent Findings

To date, well-designed case–control or cohort studies for the use of PRP have demonstrated efficacy in lumbar facet joint, lumbar epidural, and sacroiliac joint injections. At present, there is only level IV evidence indicating the need for larger and more carefully controlled prospective studies. PRP is utilized autogenously in order to facilitate healing and injection and has been studied in the long-term management of discogenic low back pain. In this regard, numerous studies have evaluated PRP to steroid injections in chronic pain states with favorable results.

Summary

PRP represents an opportunity for a new strategy in the therapeutic treatment of degenerative states of spines, joints, and other locations throughout the body with evolving data demonstrating both safety and long-term efficacy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    Audrey A. Grossen, Benjamin J. Lee, Helen H. Shi & Hakeem J. Shakir

  2. Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA

    Elyse M. Cornett

  3. LSU Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA

    Alan D. Kaye

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  1. Audrey A. Grossen
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  2. Benjamin J. Lee
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Correspondence to Audrey A. Grossen.

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Grossen, A.A., Lee, B.J., Shi, H.H. et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: Pharmacological and Clinical Considerations in Pain Management. Curr Pain Headache Rep 26, 741–749 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-022-01082-2

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