Evidence remains uncertain for adding platelet-rich plasma to lumbar disk surgery
The review reported improvements in pain and function, but omitted comparison treatments and rated key outcomes as low or very low certainty.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported lower pain and disability scores and fewer recurrences in pooled analyses of endoscopic surgery with platelet-rich plasma for lumbar disk herniation. Complication rates did not differ significantly. Because key results had low or very low certainty and reference treatments were not identified, the abstract leaves substantial uncertainty about benefit and safety.
The abstract does not identify the included studies' designs or comparator treatments. The authors also cite methodological limitations and potential differences across studies, leaving uncertainty about whether the reported advantages would persist in stronger research.
What was measured
Researchers examined back and leg pain, disability, function scores, disk height, recurrence and complications. These outcomes capture different aspects of recovery, so favorable symptom scores alone do not establish a favorable overall balance of benefit and harm.
What the uncertainty means
Pain and function findings at the final follow-up were rated very low certainty, while recurrence evidence was low certainty. A nonsignificant complication result leaves uncertainty about safety; it does not establish that risks are equivalent.
The original publication
The efficacy and safety of endoscopic surgery combined with platelet-rich plasma for lumbar disk herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Guo G, Cheng Y, Yu X et al.
Front Med (Lausanne) · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41426597
- Record checked
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