Revolutionizing Back Pain Management: Is Epidural Platelet-Rich Plasma the Superior Choice Over Steroids?

Background and objective Low back discomfort is one of the main factors that restrict physical activity, and it is becoming more and more common. Surgery is the best option when all other conservative treatment methods have failed, but it is not a panacea. While local anesthetic-free and combined epidural steroid injections have been used for many years, their usefulness is limited to shorter periods. In the field of orthopedics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained widespread recognition as an adjuvant component. PRP has been applied to improve tissue repair, both soft and hard. This comparative study aimed to evaluate the potential of PRP as a therapy for low back pain (LBP). Methods We included 64 adult individuals with complaints of LBP. They were classified into two groups: group A underwent a single injection in the afflicted lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) level with 1.5 ml of methylprednisolone, 1.5 ml 2% lidocaine, and 0.5 ml of saline under rigorous aseptic precautions; in contrast, group B was administered a single injection of 3 milliliters of autologous PRP. Patients' scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ), and the Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT) were assessed before and during therapy. Results The data gathered were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistically significant differences were found in the VAS scores between group A (methylprednisolone group) and group B (PRP group) post-one hour (6.0 ±0.74 vs. 6.92 ±0.57) and after three months (5.2 ±0.65 vs. 3.26 ±0.79). Conclusions Our study revealed gradual progressive improvement in the symptoms of patients in the PRP group as indicated by scores on SLRT, VAS, and MODQ. The results were comparable to those who received methylprednisolone injections. There was a statistically significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups, with the PRP group reporting a higher degree of pain reduction, showing that PRP is an effective alternative to epidural steroid infiltration in managing chronic LBP.

Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma: An Emerging Novel Biological Cure for Low Back Pain?

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a new biological intervention for many musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain (LBP), and have garnered significant attention in recent research endeavors. The recognition of PRP's use is progressively growing; nonetheless, comprehensive clinical validation is required to establish its uses and efficiency. This article offers a thorough evaluation regarding the assurance as well as the efficacy of PRP therapy in the management of low back pain. It specifically focuses on the analysis of clinical trials undertaken in this field.

A Rare Case of Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Femoral Neck With Pathological Fracture: A Case Report.

Fibrous dysplasia is a rare benign bone disorder characterized by the replacement of normal bone with fibroblastic and osteoblastic tissue. We present a case of monostotic fibrous dysplasia in a 25-year-old male patient. The case highlights the clinical presentation, radiographic features, and management approach for this condition. This report aims to contribute to the understanding of fibrous dysplasia and its management options. A 25-year-old male presented with a chief complaint of persistent left hip pain. The pain was described as a dull ache, associated with difficulty in weight-bearing activities. There was no history of trauma or constitutional symptoms. Physical examination revealed externally rotated left lower limb. Range of motion of the left hip could not be assessed due to pain, with no neurological deficits noted. Initial imaging included plain radiographs of the right femur, which demonstrated a radiolucent lesion with a ground-glass appearance and cortical thinning. Magnetic resonance imaging of both hip joints reveals an irregular T2 hyperintense and T1 hypointense lesion involving the left femoral neck; moreover, few tiny cystic spaces are seen within the lesion. Part of the lesion is extending into the superior-lateral aspect of the femoral head and surrounding bone marrow edema with minimal left hip joint effusion, features suggestive of a primary bony tumour. Plain computed tomography (CT) of the hip joint and pelvis was suggestive of an expansile lytic lesion with thin bony septation within and thick sclerotic margin in the left femoral head and greater trochanter associated with sub-capital femoral neck fracture suggestive of bone neoplasm (? giant cell tumour > simple bone cyst). A bone biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia, with characteristic woven bone and fibrous stroma. In this case, after confirming the diagnosis, the patient was managed with total hip arthroplasty on the left side. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia is a rare benign bone disorder that can present with various clinical manifestations. Timely diagnosis through a combination of clinical, radiographic, and histopathological assessments is crucial. Management should be tailored to the patient's symptoms.

Postoperative clinicoradiological outcome of pott's spine.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main diseases impacting humanity. Fifty percent of all the cases of skeletal TB belong to spinal TB (STB), and it is also the most common form of TB. In India, patients usually present late after the onset of neurological symptoms, for which surgical management is essential for recovery. In our study, we have evaluated the outcome of forty patients of STB who underwent posterior decompression and instrumentation. Methods: Forty patients with STB who underwent posterior decompression and instrumentation were reviewed. All cases were followed up for 18 months. The groups were compared by parameters such as improvement in pain, improvement in kyphosis, and neurological recovery. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and american spinal cord injury assosciation (ASIA) score are used for the assessment. Results: VAS score was significantly decreased postoperatively (mean: 1.28) as compared to preoperative values (mean: 7.25). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly decreased postoperatively (mean: 30.95) as compared to preoperative values (76.15). Cobb's angle was significantly decreased immediate postoperatively (mean: 7.8) as compared to preoperative values (mean: 24.8). There was no deterioration of neurological symptoms in any of the patients. Conclusion: Surgical intervention in Pott's spine with posterior decompression and stabilization, whenever indicated, gives good improvement in pain, decreases kyphotic deformity, and in most cases, also improves neurology.

RésuméIntroduction: La tuberculose (TB) est l'une des principales maladies affectant l'humanité. Cinquante pour cent de tous les cas de tuberculose squelettique appartiennent à la colonne vertébrale TB (STB), et c'est aussi la forme la plus courante de TB. En Inde, les patients se présentent généralement tardivement après l'apparition des symptômes neurologiques, pour lesquels la prise en charge chirurgicale est essentielle à la guérison. Dans notre étude, nous avons évalué les résultats de quarante patients de STB qui ont subi une décompression et instrumentation. Méthodes: Quarante patients atteints de STB qui ont subi une décompression postérieure et une instrumentation ont été revu. Tous les cas ont été suivis pendant 18 mois. Les groupes ont été comparés par des paramètres tels que l'amélioration de la douleur, l'amélioration de la la cyphose et la récupération neurologique. Le score de l'échelle visuelle analogique (EVA) et le score de l'association américaine des lésions de la moelle épinière (ASIA) sont utilisés pour l'évaluation. Résultats: Le score EVA était significativement diminué en postopératoire (moyenne : 1,28) par rapport aux valeurs préopératoires (moyenne : 7,25). La vitesse de sédimentation des érythrocytes (VS) était significativement diminuée en postopératoire (moyenne : 30,95) par rapport aux valeurs préopératoires (76,15). L'angle de Cobb était significativement diminué en postopératoire immédiat (moyenne : 7,8) par rapport aux valeurs préopératoires (moyenne : 24,8). Il n'y avait pas détérioration des symptômes neurologiques chez l'un des patients. Conclusion: Intervention chirurgicale dans le rachis de Pott avec décompression postérieure et la stabilisation, chaque fois qu'elle est indiquée, améliore la douleur, diminue la déformation cyphotique et, dans la plupart des cas, améliore également la neurologie.