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 |