A Prospective Study Comparing Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Local Anesthetic (LA) /Corticosteroid in Intra‐Articular Injection for the Treatment of Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome

Objectives To compare the effectiveness and safety between autologous platelet‐rich plasma ( PRP ) and Local Anesthetic (LA) /corticosteroid in intra‐articular injection for the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome. Methods Forty‐six eligible patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome were randomized into group A (intra‐articular injection with PRP ) and group B (intra‐articular injection with LA /corticosteroid). The following contents were evaluated: pain visual analog scale ( VAS ) at rest and during flexion, and the Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire ( RMQ ), Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI ), and modified MacNab criteria for pain relief and applications of post‐treatment drugs. All outcome assessments were performed immediately after and at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Results No significant difference between groups was observed at baseline. Compared with pretreatment, both group A and group B demonstrated statistical improvements in the pain VAS score at rest or during flexion, the RMQ , and the ODI ( P < 0.01). And there were significant differences between the 2 groups on the above‐mentioned items ( P < 0.05). For group B, subjective satisfaction based on the modified MacNab criteria and objective success rate were highest (80% and 85%) after 1 month, but only 50% and 20% after 6 months. However, for group A, they increased over time. In addition, there were no treatment‐related complications in either group during follow‐up. Conclusions Both autologous PRP and LA /corticosteroid for intra‐articular injection are effective, easy, and safe enough in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome. However, autologous PRP is a superior treatment option for longer duration efficacy.