Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection improves pain, function and symmetry in lumbar myofascial pain syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal disease associated with myofascial trigger point (MTrP). Muscle injury is one of the common causes of MPS. Currently, there is no effective treatment for MPS. CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old female with chronic lower back MPS secondary to quadratus lumborum (QL) injury underwent comprehensive evaluation using validated scales: Pain severity (visual analog scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), and quality of life [short form 36 (SF-36)]. Objective assessments included sEMG of bilateral QL muscles, Myoton mechanical property analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging volumetric measurements. The patient received four ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections at 4-week intervals, with follow-up evaluations conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided PRP injections alleviated pain, restored function, and improved quality of life in post-traumatic MPS. sEMG demonstrated neuromuscular symmetry restoration in MTrP-affected muscles, supporting the therapeutic potential of PRP.