2026 SLARD Annual Meeting: Chondrolyase For The Treatment of Pain In Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

3 randomized clinical trials including patients with lumbar disc herniation were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing chondroitinase injection vs sham injection. Pooled outcomes of interest included worst leg pain measured on a 100 mm visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and herniated disc volume. At 13 weeks, chondroitinase significantly reduced worst leg pain, improved disability, and decreased herniated disc volume compared with sham treatment. These findings suggest that chondroitinase may provide symptomatic and structural benefit for patients with lumbar disc herniation who have persistent symptoms despite conservative care.