[Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of PRP therapy and facetoplasty in older patients with isolated lumbar facet syndrome: long-term results of a randomized controlled trial.].

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the long-term results of applying PRP therapy and facetoplasty in patients of the older age group with an isolated lumbar facet syndrome. The study included 159 patients over the age of 65 with symptomatic degenerative disease of the facet joints, who were operated on using PRP therapy and facethoplasty in the period from 2016 to 2018. Independent sequential randomization (1:1) of 144 patients was performed using software. A visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Macnab subjective satisfaction scale, and the presence of complications were used to assess clinical efficacy. As a result, it was established that PRP therapy and facetoplasty are effective methods for treating isolated lumbar facet syndrome in older patients. In the late postoperative period, the best clinical outcomes were recorded according to VAS and the ODI index in the group of patients who underwent PRP therapy.