According to a systematic review, epidural injection with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), platelet lysate (PL), or platelet rich plasma (PRP) is associated with pain reduction in patients with radicular pain. Eva Kubrova et al. sought to assess the efficacy of epidural steroid injections incorporating PRP or related products for the relief of radicular pain.

Databases such as Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase and MEDLINE/PubMed were explored. Overall, 9 observational studies and 3 randomized controlled trials were among the twelve studies that were incorporated in the qualitative analysis. Pain intensity was the major endpoint, while adverse events, structural alterations on advanced imaging, and functional advancement were the secondary outcomes ascertained.

Following PRP, PRGF, or PL epidural injection, better pain severity and functional results were witnessed. When compared to the group getting epidural steroid injections, the PRP cohort showed longer-lasting or comparable pain alleviation, with benefits lasting up to 12 to 24 months. Due to the risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment revealed a very-low evidence certainty. To sum up, PRP and platelet-related products are valuable for the treatment of radiculopathy.