Member May 2025: Evidence-Based Assessment of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Lumbar Spine Conditions (1.25 CME) (On Demand)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Mary Ambach, a specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine, discussed the use of regenerative techniques, specifically platelet-rich plasma (PRP), for treating lumbar spine conditions. She explained that many patients turn to these methods after traditional treatments have failed, seeking non-surgical, natural alternatives to avoid chronic opioid therapy. Dr. Ambach covered the purported mechanisms of PRP, which include promoting tissue repair and modulating inflammation. She detailed several studies and trials showing varying levels of evidence for PRP's effectiveness in treating different spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease and facet joint issues. While some studies demonstrate positive outcomes for PRP in pain reduction and functional improvement, others show limitations, highlighting the need for further research. Dr. Ambach emphasized the importance of personalized treatment approaches, based on patient, disk, and physician factors, and suggested that multidisciplinary treatment using PRP could be beneficial. She concluded with a Q&A, addressing technical considerations for using PRP, the need for proper formulation and patient selection, and discussed the practicalities of administering these treatments in clinical settings.

Keywords

regenerative techniques

platelet-rich plasma

lumbar spine conditions

non-surgical alternatives

degenerative disc disease

personalized treatment

multidisciplinary treatment