Advances in Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Spinal Diseases: A Systematic Review

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 24; no. 8; p. 7677
• Main Authors: Kawabata, Soya, Akeda, Koji, Yamada, Junichi, Takegami, Norihiko, Fujiwara, Tatsuhiko, Fujita, Nobuyuki, Sudo, Akihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 21-04-2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Backache; Care and treatment; Cytokines; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - therapeutic use; intervertebral disc degeneration; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration - metabolism; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration - therapy; Low Back Pain; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Plasma physics; platelet-rich plasma; Platelet-Rich Plasma - metabolism; Quality of Life; Review; spinal diseases; spinal fusion surgery; intervertebral disc degeneration; spinal fusion surgery; spinal diseases; platelet-rich plasma; low back pain
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087677
• EISSN: 1422-0067
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596

Spinal diseases are commonly associated with pain and neurological symptoms, which negatively impact patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous source of multiple growth factors and cytokines, with the potential to promote tissue regeneration. Recently, PRP has been widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, including spinal diseases, in clinics. Given the increasing popularity of PRP therapy, this article examines the current literature for basic research and emerging clinical applications of this therapy for treating spinal diseases. First, we review in vitro and in vivo studies, evaluating the potential of PRP in repairing intervertebral disc degeneration, promoting bone union in spinal fusion surgeries, and aiding in neurological recovery from spinal cord injury. Second, we address the clinical applications of PRP in treating degenerative spinal disease, including its analgesic effect on low back pain and radicular pain, as well as accelerating bone union during spinal fusion surgery. Basic research demonstrates the promising regenerative potential of PRP, and clinical studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of PRP therapy for treating several spinal diseases. Nevertheless, further high-quality randomized controlled trials would be required to establish clinical evidence of PRP therapy.