The use of prolotherapy in the sacroiliac joint

Br J Sports Med. 2010 Feb;44(2):100-4. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.042044. Epub 2008 Apr 9.

Abstract

Objective: In this study the effectiveness of prolotherapy in the treatment of deficient load transfer of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) was determined.

Design: A prospective descriptive study.

Setting: Authors' private practice.

Participants: 25 patients who consented to treatment and attended for at least one follow-up visit and assessment.

Study period: From April 2004 to July 2007.

Intervention: Three injections of hypertonic dextrose solution into the dorsal interosseous ligament of the affected SIJ, under CT control, 6 weeks apart.

Main outcome measures: Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, Roland-Morris 24, Roland-Morris 24 Multiform questionnaires and clinical examination by two authors independently.

Results: All patients included in this study attended at least one follow-up visit at 3, 12 or 24 months.. The number of patients at follow-up decreased at 12 and 24 months. Functional questionnaires demonstrated significant improvements for those followed-up at 3, 12 and 24 months (p<0.05). Clinical scores showed significant improvement from commencement to 3, 12 and 24 months (p<0.001).

Conclusions: This descriptive study of prolotherapy in private practice has shown positive clinical outcomes for the 76% of patients who attended the 3-month follow-up visit (76% at 12 months and 32% at 24 months). Similar results were found in the questionnaires (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, Roland-Morris 24 and Roland-Morris 24 Multiform questionnaires) at 3, 12 and 24 months.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Female
  • Glucose Solution, Hypertonic
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intra-Articular / methods
  • Ligaments, Articular / drug effects*
  • Ligaments, Articular / physiopathology
  • Low Back Pain / drug therapy*
  • Low Back Pain / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sacroiliac Joint / drug effects*
  • Sacroiliac Joint / physiopathology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucose Solution, Hypertonic