Ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma alleviated pain and improved function for individuals with myofascial pain syndrome: a retrospective case series study.

BACKGROUND

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional musculoskeletal pain associated with myofascial trigger point (MTrP), lacks therapies with sustained efficacy. Current modalities offer short-term relief but fail to address underlying tissue degeneration.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the 3-month safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in alleviating MPS-related pain and function.

METHODS

From January 2023 to April 2023, we selected 71 eligible individuals with MPS who received PRP treatment of the upper trapezius, rhomboid, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, a retrospective case series study. Primary outcome was pain quantified by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (McGill). Secondary outcomes were region-specific functional improvement evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for cervical pathology and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for lumbar conditions, with additional assessment via the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and quality of life measured by the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (SF-36). These parameters were evaluated at baseline and 24 h, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment.

RESULTS

The cohort included 71 individuals (mean age 47.6 ± 15.9 years; 71.8% female) with chronic MPS. The pain VAS decreased from 5.0 [4.0-6.0] at baseline to 1.0 [1.0-2.0] at 3 months (p < 0.001), with the McGill decreased from 11.0 [8.0-15.0] to 2.0 [2.0-5.0] (p < 0.001). The NDI decreased from 42.0 [29.3-53.3] at baseline to 9.5 [5.0-11.0] (p < 0.001). The ODI declined from 22.0 [14.0-29.0] to 10.0 [6.0-14.0] (p < 0.001). The RMDQ showed improvement, from 10.0 [6.5-16.0] to 4.0 [2.0-5.0] (p < 0.001). Similarly, the SF-36 score was obviously improved 3 months post-treatment of PRP (p < 0.01). No adverse reactions were reported during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma treatment could significantly alleviate the pain and improve the physical function and quality of life in the individuals with myofascial pain syndrome during 3-months follow-up.