CAUDAL EPIDURAL PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PAIN AFTER LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY

Viet Thang Le1,2, , Trong Phuoc Do1,2
1 Bộ môn Ngoại Thần kinh, Trường Y, Đại học Y Dược Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
2 Đơn nguyên Điều trị Đau, Bệnh viện Đại học Y Dược Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of caudal epidural platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for the treatment of chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery. Methods: A descriptive, uncontrolled, longitudinal intervention study was conducted on 60 patients with chronic pain post-lumbar surgery at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from August 2024 to August 2025. Patients underwent caudal epidural PRP injections. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and MacNab criteria at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post-intervention. Results: The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 7.4 ± 1.1 (at baseline) to 4.3 ± 1.2 (at 1month post-intervention) and 3.9 ± 1.3 (at 3 months post-intervention), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients achieving "Good and Excellent" clinical outcomes according to the MacNab criteria improved remarkably from 23.3% at baseline to 63.3% at 1month post-intervention and reaching 71.7% at 3 months post-intervention. No serious complications, such as infection, nerve injury, or bleeding related to the procedure, were reported. Conclusion: Caudal epidural PRP injection is a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective intervention for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery.

Article Details

References

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