Trial reportJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2024
A study on the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote bone fusion in lateral interbody fusion of the lumbar spine using artificial bone.
Trial report in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Role of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Lumbar Spine Disease: A Narrative Review.Current pain and headache reports · 2026Review
- Bone Growth Stimulators to Enhance Spinal Fusion Outcomes.Spine surgery and related research · 2026Review
- Evolution and mechanistic insights of platelet-derived products in temporomandibular joint regeneration.Frontiers in cell and developmental biology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundLateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) via a retroperitoneum approach has gained popularity due to minimal invasiveness, which avoids resection of the spinous process and laminae. However, as challenges in grafting autogenous bone persist, artificial bone has been tested in Japan to fill the spinal cage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines to promote cellular proliferation and repair damaged tissues. While the effects of PRP on tendon and ligament repair are widely known, any effects on bone healing are scarcely reported. However, PRP-loaded artificial bone carries potential to improve intervertebral bone fusion.
objectiveThis study assessed whether PRP enhances intervertebral bone fusion in LLIF surgery using β-tricalcium phosphate artificial bone.
methodsThe current study was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. We evaluated 13 consecutive patients undergoing LLIF surgery in our hospital. Patients received artificial bone impregnated with PRP or without PRP within the same fusion cage. The primary outcome was the intervertebral bone fusion rate at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, evaluated using CT imaging. The intervertebral bone fusion rates with and without PRP loading and with and without contact part between the endplate and the artificial bone were compared. Secondary outcomes included clinical evaluations using visual analog scale scores for low back pain, buttock-leg pain, and leg numbness from the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOA-BPEQ) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), plus adverse events information.
resultsOf the 13 patients (29 vertebral segments) included, bone fusion was observed in 43.4% of the PRP group and 26.1% of the non-PRP group at 6 months (p = 0.216). At 12 months, fusion rates were 60.9% with PRP and 34.8% without PRP (p = 0.074). The fusion rate was significantly higher in cases with good contact between the vertebral endplate and the artificial bone (p = 0.0004). Clinical scores improved postoperatively. Adverse events were in accordance with expectations from LLIF surgery and no PRP-specific events occurred.
conclusionPRP did not significantly improve intervertebral bone fusion rates in LLIF surgeries, particularly in cases with poor contact between the vertebral endplate and artificial bone. While PRP may have a limited role in enhancing bone fusion, maintaining good contact between the vertebral endplate and artificial bone is crucial for successful outcomes. Further research is needed to explore optimal uses of PRP in spinal fusion surgeries.
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