Using Platelet Rich Plasma to Treat Low Back Pain in Military Personnel

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating facet-mediated lumbar low back pain in military personnel. The study will recruit 170 healthy, physically active individuals who have chronic low back pain and will use a fluoroscopic guided diagnostic medial branch block (MBB) to confirm eligibility. Participants who show a significant reduction in pain after the MBB will receive the PRP injection, while those who do not will be withdrawn from the study. The aim is to provide a new treatment option that may improve pain and function without causing further joint damage.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult age 18-75 (inclusive)
* DEERS eligible
* Able to understand, read and speak English
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent
* Predominant area of pain is axial low back pain
* Chronic low back pain lasting more than 3 months
* Average daily numerical pain rating of at least 4 out of 10
* Single positive diagnostic medial branch block (MBB) of greater than or equal to 50% reduction in symptoms after local anesthetic injection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior spinal intervention such as epidural steroid injection or sacroiliac joint injection for current symptoms
* Prior radiofrequency denervation for facet mediated pain
* History of lumbar fusion
* Allergic to local anesthetic such as lidocaine and ropivacaine
* On opioid medication greater than or equal to 50 MME
* Recent (within past 3 months) systematic or localized infection
* Spinal pathology such as symptomatic radiculopathy or spinal stenosis within the past 3 months
* Medical or psychological condition that would preclude safe participation in study procedures (e.g. uncontrolled coagulopathy, diabetes, uncontrolled immunosuppression, inflammatory arthritis, active malignancy, uncontrolled depression or anxiety, etc.)
* Service member currently going through medical evaluation board
* Scheduled to move, deploy, separate or retire within 6 months
* Unable or unwilling to comply with study requirements
* Currently pregnant or had a recent delivery (within past 3 months)

Where it's running

• Womack Army Medical Center
  Fort Liberty, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Min Ho Chang, MD — Womack Army Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Carolyn Smith
• Email: csmith@genevausa.org
• Phone: 910-643-2310

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.