Percutaneous injection of autologous platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich plasma in sacroiliac joint dysfunction: An applied comparative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain. Injection of autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the affected joint is a new option in this disorder management.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare platelet concentrates (PRP and PRF) in injectable form in sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

METHODS:

This is a non-randomized controlled trial between two groups (124 PRF patients and 62 PRP patients). All cases are treated by sacroiliac joint injection for sacroiliac joint pain.

RESULTS:

Over 6 months of follow-up, there were statistically significant improvements in participants who received SIJ PRF injection with regards to pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), in comparison to PRP. In the two groups (PRF and PRP), there was significant difference in the post 2 VAS (6 months after the procedure) as the $P$ value was 0.045. There was no significant difference in the pre VAS ( $P$ value of 0.909) and post 1 VAS (one month after the procedure) as the $P$ value was 0.154. No adverse events of infection, neurologic injury, or any other complication were reported following the injection.

CONCLUSIONS:

Participants who received SIJ PRF experienced significant clinical improvement compared to those who received PRP in the late follow-up.