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Platelet-rich Plasma

PRP vs Steroid Injections for Lower Back Pain

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Miriam Peckham, MD
Research Sponsored by University of Utah
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Adult (>18 y/o) males and females referred for therapeutic injection to the investigators spine interventional service by a physiatrist or pain anesthesiologist with a clinical diagnosis of SIJ pain confirmed by history
50% or greater reduction in pain by a diagnostic anesthetic block using no more than 1.5 cc 2% lidocaine performed under imaging guidance by a pain interventionalist (PM&R, Pain Anesthesia, or Neuroradiology Spine Intervention)
Must not have
Usage of systemic immunosuppressants
Patients with a history of infection currently on antibiotic therapy
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change between baseline and 3-months post-intervention
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial looks at whether PRP or steroid/anesthetic injections work better for lower back pain relief.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults with chronic sacroiliac joint pain, confirmed by a specific diagnostic block and lasting at least 6 weeks. Participants must have significant pain that isn't caused by other conditions like infections or inflammatory diseases. Pregnant individuals, those on immunosuppressants, or who've had SIJ steroid treatment in the last 6 months can't join.
What is being tested?
The study is testing if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are more effective than steroid/anesthetic injections for treating sacroiliac joint pain. Patients will receive one of these treatments directly into the affected joint to compare their effectiveness.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include temporary increase in pain, bleeding or bruising at the injection site, infection risks, and allergic reactions to components of PRP or steroids.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am an adult with confirmed SIJ pain referred for a therapeutic injection.
Select...
My pain was reduced by half or more after a small, targeted numbing shot.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I am currently taking medication to suppress my immune system.
Select...
I am currently taking antibiotics for an infection.
Select...
I have not had SIJ steroid treatment in the last 6 months.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~change between baseline and 3-months post-intervention
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change between baseline and 3-months post-intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Numeric Rating Scale
Secondary study objectives
Functional testing
Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire
Opiate/pain medication usage questionnaire
+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Platelet-rich PlasmaExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Patients will receive an intra-articular injection 3 mL of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the sacroiliac joint.
Group II: Steroid/AnestheticActive Control1 Intervention
Patients will receive an intra-articular injection 40 mg Depo-medrol mixed with 2 mL 0.25% bupivicaine in the sacroiliac joint.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of UtahLead Sponsor
1,147 Previous Clinical Trials
1,699,571 Total Patients Enrolled
20 Trials studying Low Back Pain
4,665 Patients Enrolled for Low Back Pain
Radiological Society of North AmericaOTHER
26 Previous Clinical Trials
956 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Low Back Pain
151 Patients Enrolled for Low Back Pain
Miriam Peckham, MDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of Utah
~5 spots leftby Jun 2025