Intradiscal platelet-rich plasma for discogenic low back pain: a prospective cohort study of early clinical outcomes and quantitative MRI findings

This prospective cohort study evaluated the effects of intradiscal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on discogenic low back pain (DLBP) in 45 patients, with 29 completing the 6-month follow-up. The study found significant reductions in symptom scores (VAS, ODI, and FRI) over time, with 79.3% of participants achieving a clinically important improvement. Quantitative MRI showed a significant decline in vertebral marrow fat fraction adjacent to the treated disc, correlating with symptom improvements, while changes in whole-disc T2 were minimal and not linked to symptom changes. No treatment-related complications were reported, suggesting that intradiscal PRP is a safe and promising treatment for DLBP, with early effects on the peridiscal metabolic environment.