Authors/ publication year

Sample characteristics and size

Study groups

Injection protocol

Measured outcomes

Follow up intervals

Result

Kim W.M. et al., (2010) [9]

Patients with resistant SI joint pain (n = 48)

Intervention: dextrose 25% injection (n = 23)

Control: triamcinolone acetonide injection (n = 25)

Three sessions; biweekly, under fluoroscopic guidance

1. Pain (NRS scale)

2. Disability (ODI index)

2 weeks, 6, 10, 15 months

after treatment completion

Improved pain and disability in 2 Ws in both groups, more significant improvement in the prolotherapy group in long-term follow-up (p < 0.005)

Yellend M. et al., (2004) [13]

Participants with chronic non-specific low-back pain (n = 110)

Intervention: dextrose 20% injection (n = 54)

Control: normal saline injection (n = 56)

6 sessions; biweekly, based on tenderness points location

1. Pain (VAS scale)

2. Disability (Roland-Morris)

2.5, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment

Significant reduction in pain and disability in both groups; the between-group difference is insignificant

Dechow E. et al., (1999) [12]

Patients with low back pain of more than six months’ duration (n = 74)

Intervention: dextrose 25%-glycerin-phenol injection (n = 36)

Control: normal saline injection (n = 38)

3 sessions; weekly

1. Pain (e.g., McGill Pain)

2. Disability (e.g., MSPQ)

1, 3, and 6 months after treatment

No significant improvement in outcomes during follow-up period in prolotherapy and control groups