The clinical value of platelet-rich plasma to C5 cervical nerve palsy after posterior cervical decompression

Wang Xing-ping

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.46.012

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Platelet-rich plasma contains a variety of cytokines in addition to a high level of platelets, which is mostly used to promote repair of bone tissue and cartilage tissue at present. In China, platelet-rich plasma has not been reported in the treatment of C5 nerve palsy after posterior cervical decompression. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical value of platelet-rich plasma to C5 cervical nerve palsy after posterior cervical decompression. METHODS:108 patients with C5 cervical nerve palsy after posterior cervical decompression were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Fifty-two cases in control group were subjected to conventional symptomatic and supportive treatment, while 56 cases in observation group undwent platelet-rich plasma therapy on the basis of conventional symptomatic and supportive treatment once a week for 4 weeks as a treatment cycle. The Cobb angle, cervical curvature index, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores of sensory and motor function, visual analog scale scores, deltoid muscle strength grade, cervical activity and action potential latency and amplitude of the bilateral cervical nerve roots were compared between control group and observed group before and after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Six months after treatment, the action potential latency and amplitude of the bilateral cervical nerve roots, JOA scores of sensory and motor function, deltoid muscle strength grade, Cobb angle, cervical curvature index and cervical activity were al improved significantly in the two groups (al P<0.05). Compared with the control group, al these indexes were better in the observation group (P<0.05). Consequently, platelet-rich plasma therapy can effectively improve the sensory and motor nerve function of patients with C5 nerve damage after posterior cervical decompression surgery by elevating action potential amplitude of the local nervous system and shortening the latency as wel as improve cervical physiological function by reducing pain and increasing limb muscle strength.