Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection in Patients with Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Single-Arm, Before and After, Open-Label Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain poses a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Due to its potential for tissue regeneration, minimally invasive administration, and affordability, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently gained attention in the management of SIJ pain. Although PRP is widely used for musculoskeletal conditions, there is limited evidence regarding its application in SIJ pain. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of PRP injections in patients with chronic SIJ pain that is unresponsive to conservative treatments. Methods: This study is a single-arm, open-label clinical trial. Patients aged between 30 and 80 years with chronic SIJ pain were included. Platelet-rich plasma was prepared from autologous blood and injected into the SIJ under ultrasound (US) guidance. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and functional disability was measured using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI) before the intervention, as well as one month and three months post-injection. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS version 23 to evaluate changes over time. Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the study. At the one-month follow-up, the mean pain intensity dropped to 5.19 ± 2.66, followed by a slight increase to 5.75 ± 2.54 at the three-month follow-up. The mean MODI score was 67.00 ± 8.42 at baseline, improving to 46.75 ± 21.46 at one month, and slightly increasing to 50.50 ± 19.98 at three months. The overall changes in pain intensity and disability index over the three months were statistically significant (P < 0.001). No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma injection resulted in significant pain reduction and functional improvement for chronic SIJ pain over three months, suggesting its potential as a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative for patients who are unresponsive to conventional therapies. While PRP appears to be a safe modality for SIJ pain management, further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-ups are needed to explore its effectiveness and safety.