Role of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma in sacroiliac joint pain

The goal of this case review is to evaluate safety and efficacy with the use of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with sacroiliac (SI) joint (SIJ) pain. The secondary outcomes include additional medical treatments, hospitalization, and surgery. SIJ pain contributes significantly to the social and economic burden due to its long-standing and debilitating course. Current treatments include either interventional procedures with transient benefits or invasive surgical options. PRP has been used clinically in various settings for its anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties attributed to growth factors. Ten patients with chronic SIJ pain who tried and failed conservative treatments were administered a single injection of 4 mm autologous PRP into the joint under fluoroscopic guidance after careful clinical and imaging evaluation. The patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postinjection and primary and secondary outcomes were recorded. Verbal analog scale score for pain of all patients decreased more than 50% and their function increased for the period of 12 months. None of the patients presented to the hospital or clinic or received any treatments or surgery after the PRP injection. There were no adverse reactions, side effects, or complications. PRP presents as a promising option based on our preliminary observation. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to understand the full breath of the efficacy, risks, and complications from the use of PRP for SIJ pain.