Riassunto dello studio

Sixty patients with lumbar disc herniation were randomized to receive percutaneous endoscopic nucleotomy combined with PRP injection (n=30) or nucleotomy alone (n=30). The primary outcome was pain relief, measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and disability improvement, assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included MRI-based Pfirrmann grading of disc degeneration and clinical efficacy per the modified MacNab criteria. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Overall, significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores were observed in both groups, but the PRP group showed superior short-term pain relief and better radiological recovery. There were no significant differences in the clinical efficacy rates between the groups based on the modified MacNab criteria. The study concludes that PRP injection may enhance disc repair but has a limited impact on long-term clinical outcomes.