The objective of this study is to determine if one single X-ray-guided intradiscal injection of 8 mg/mL of HYALODISC combined with PEP will be more effective than only physical exercise program in patients with LBP from degenerative disc disease.
Enrolled patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups below:
* Group 1: One single X-ray-guided intradiscal injection (25 gauge) of 8 mg/mL of HYALODISC combined with PEP. The investigator will use one syringe for each involved disc, up to a maximum of three discs.
* Group 2: PEP alone. The injection will be administered at V1 baseline (day 0). Any physical activity (e.g. jogging, tennis, weightlifting, prolonged upright position) in the 48 hours following the injection should be avoided.
Both groups (Group 1 and Group 2) will be treated with PEP according to a standardized protocol. Starting one week after the baseline visit (V1), patients will be prescribed of 18 physiotherapy sessions that will take place under supervision of physiotherapist twice a week in the first seven weeks (weeks 2-8) and once a week in the next four weeks (weeks 9-12). Twelve repetitions of each exercise for 3 sets will be performed during PEP session. Moreover, in addition to the 18 sessions performed with supervision of the physiotherapist, all patients will be instructed how to do exercises at home and will be asked to continue these exercises once a week in the first seven weeks (weeks 2-8) and twice a week in the next four weeks (weeks 9-12).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Male or female patients aged 18-70 years;
. Written informed consent;
. Willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study;
. Chronic low back pain for at least 3 months from the screening;
. Patients with at least one lumbar (L1-S1) black disc (Pfirrmann grade III-V) seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (MRI performed within 4 months from the screening visit);
. Low back pain score of at least 5 on a 0-10 NRS at screening;
. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score of at least 9 on the 24-point questionnaire at screening;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain reduction will be measured as difference of Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) value at Week 12 vs. baseline. The mean change in NRS score from baseline to Week 12 will be the primary efficacy endpoint.
. If female of childbearing potential, must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and agree to use a reliable form of contraception throughout the study\*.
Exclusion criteria
. Cauda equina syndrome;
. Active malignancy or tumours as source of symptoms;
. Current infection or prior history of spinal infection (e.g., discitis, septic arthritis, epidural abscess) or an active systemic infection;
. Previous lumbar spine surgery;
. Evidence of prior lumbar vertebral body fracture;
. Patients with radiculopathy caused by nerve root compression;
. Verbiest Syndrome of Lumbar Spine;
. Spondylolisthesis (\> Grade 1) with or without spondylolysis at the symptomatic level(s);