CT-guided interlaminar epidural platelet-rich plasma versus steroid injection for lumbar radicular pain
Comparison of Interlaminar CT Guided Epidural Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Steroid Injection in Patients With Lumbar Radicular Pain : a Prospective Study With Long Term Follow up
This study will test whether CT-guided epidural platelet-rich plasma provides as good or better long-term relief than steroid injections for people with persistent one-sided lumbar radicular pain from a herniated disc.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Clinique du Sport, Bordeaux Mérignac Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mérignac) |
| Trial ID | NCT07036445 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with unilateral lumbar radicular pain due to a herniated disc who have not improved after six weeks of appropriate medical treatment receive either a CT-guided interlaminar epidural platelet-rich plasma injection or a CT-guided epidural steroid injection. Procedures are performed at a single center in Mérignac, France, with participants followed for two years to capture durability of pain relief and safety outcomes. Key inclusion criteria require MRI-confirmed herniated disc and resistant symptoms, while exclusions include active infection, recent percutaneous steroid injections, systemic corticosteroid use, anticoagulation or blood disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain allergies. The trial compares the safety profile and long-term effectiveness of PRP versus steroid epidural injections.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with unilateral lumbar radicular pain from an MRI-confirmed herniated disc that has not improved after six weeks of appropriate medical treatment who can attend visits at the trial site and are not pregnant or on prohibited medications.
Not a fit: Patients with active infections, immune deficiencies, blood clotting disorders or on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, those currently receiving systemic corticosteroids, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or those who have already had percutaneous steroid injections are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PRP could provide similar or better long-term pain relief with fewer steroid-related risks and complications.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have suggested PRP can be as effective as epidural steroid injections without major complications, but long-term comparative evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of unilateral resistant LRP associated with a herniated disc on MRI images. (Diagnosis of resistance after 6 weeks of appropriate medical treatment). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with infections, * Patients who have had previous percutaneous corticosteroid injections, * Patients undergoing systemic corticosteroid treatment, * Patients with immune deficiencies, * Patients who are allergic to the contrast medium used, * Pregnant or breastfeeding patients, * Patients with a history of allergies to anesthetics or corticosteroids, * Anticoagulant treatment or blood disorders, patients on antiplatelet therapy * Taking NSAIDs within two weeks prior to the procedure
Where this trial is running
Mérignac
- Clinique du Sport — Mérignac, France (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.