Exploring the Efficacy of Autologous Platelet Leukocyte Rich Plasma Injections in Chronic Low Back Pain & Understanding Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Host David Rosenblum, MD

Episode Date: October 25, 2024

In this episode, Dr. David Rosenblum discusses two significant studies related to chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar conditions. The first study focuses on the use of autologous platelet leukocyte rich plasma (PLRP) injections for treating atrophied lumbar multifidus muscles, while the second study investigates the correlation between muscle atrophy and the severity of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).

Featured Article 1: - Effect of Autologous Platelet Leukocyte Rich Plasma Injections on Atrophied Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in Low Back Pain Patients with Monosegmental Degenerative Disc Disease - **Authors:** Mohamed Hussein, Tamer Hussein

Key Points Discussed 1. Background: Correlation between lumbar multifidus muscle dysfunction and chronic low back pain. 2. Study Overview: 115 patients treated with weekly PLRP injections for six weeks, followed for 24 months. 3. Outcome Measures: Significant improvements in NRS and ODI scores, with high patient satisfaction. 4. Conclusions: PLRP injections into the atrophied multifidus muscle are safe and effective for managing chronic low back pain.

Featured Article 2: - Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Authors:* Gen Xia, Xueru Li, Yanbing Shang, Bin Fu, Feng Jiang, Huan Liu, Yongdong Qiao

Key Points Discussed 1. Background: DLSS is a common condition in older adults, often leading to muscle atrophy and disability. 2. Study Overview: A retrospective analysis involving 232 patients to investigate the correlation between muscle atrophy and spinal stenosis severity. 3. Results: - Significant differences in the ratio of fat-free multifidus muscle cross-sectional area between stenotic and non-stenotic segments. - A strong positive correlation was found between multifidus atrophy and the severity of spinal stenosis. - The atrophy was more pronounced on symptomatic sides of the spine compared to contralateral sides. 4. Conclusions: The findings suggest that more severe spinal stenosis is associated with greater muscle atrophy, emphasizing the importance of addressing muscle health in DLSS patients.

Discussion: Dr. Rosenblum provides insights into how these studies inform clinical practices for treating chronic low back pain and managing degenerative conditions. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment strategies that consider both muscle health and spinal integrity which may be achieved via peripheral nerve stimulation of the medial branch nerve and multifidus muscle or PRP injection in to the multifidus muscle.

Closing Remarks: Listeners are encouraged to stay informed about innovative treatment options and the importance of muscle assessment in managing spinal disorders.

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**Disclaimer:** The information presented in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.

References

Xia, G., Li, X., Shang, Y. et al. Correlation between severity of spinal stenosis and multifidus atrophy in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 22, 536 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04411-5

Hussein M, Hussein T. Effect of autologous platelet leukocyte rich plasma injections on atrophied lumbar multifidus muscle in low back pain patients with monosegmental degenerative disc disease. SICOT J. 2016 Mar 22;2:12. doi: 10.1051/sicotj/2016002. PMID: 27163101; PMCID: PMC4849261.