scholarly journals Treatment strategies for generator pocket pain

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bao ◽  
Olga Khazen ◽  
Zachary T Olmsted ◽  
Guy Gechtman ◽  
Miriam M Shao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Initial Surgery ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Device Placement ◽  
Effective Pain Relief ◽  
Site Pain

Abstract Objective Generator site pain is a relatively common phenomenon in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that complicates management and effective pain relief. This pain may be managed conservatively, with repositioning of the battery and in some cases with explant. Here we explore our experience with management of generator site pain (‘pocket pain’) in a large single-center study. Methods All SCS permanent implants and implantable pulse generator (IPG) placements over 9 years were reviewed. Of 785 cases, we identified 43 patients with pocket pain (5.5%). Demographics and treatments of the pocket pain cohort were analyzed. Results The mean age (± SEM) of the pocket pain cohort was 46.86 ± 1.06 and there were 10/33 males/females. Females were overrepresented in pocket pain cohort (76.7%) when compared to the total SCS cohort (59.0%) (X2 = 5.93, p = 0.015). Diagnosis included failed back surgery syndrome (51.2%), complex regional pain syndrome (23.3%), and chronic neuropathic pain (25.5%). No patients improved with conservative therapy. All patients either went on to revision (n = 23) or explant (n = 20). Time from initial surgery to development of pocket pain was 7.5 months (range: 0.3-88) and from pocket pain to revision surgery was 4.5 months (range: 0.4-26). In addition, significantly more pocket pain patients (65.1%) had workers’ compensation (WC) insurance compared to patients without pocket pain (24.9%) (X2 = 33.3, p < 0.001). Conclusion In our institutional experience, pocket pain was inadequately managed with conservative treatments. Being female and having SCS filed under WC increased risk of pocket pain. Future work will explore the nuances in device placement based on body shape and manual activity responsibilities.

scholarly journals Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome: a proposal for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and ICD-11

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Christelis ◽  
Brian Simpson ◽  
Marc Russo ◽  
Michael Stanton-Hicks ◽  
Giancarlo Barolat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Spinal Pain ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery ◽  
Spinal Pain Syndrome

Abstract Objective For many medical professionals dealing with patients with persistent pain following spine surgery, the term failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) as a diagnostic label is inadequate, misleading and potentially troublesome. It misrepresents causation. Alternative terms have been suggested but none has replaced FBSS. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) published a revised classification of chronic pain, as part of the new International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which has been accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes the term Chronic pain after spinal surgery (CPSS), which is suggested as a replacement for FBSS. Methods This article provides arguments and rationale for a replacement definition. In order to propose a broadly applicable yet more precise and clinically informative term, an international group of experts was established. Results 14 candidate replacement terms were considered and ranked. The application of agreed criteria reduced this to a shortlist of four. A preferred option – Persistent spinal pain syndrome – was selected by a structured workshop and Delphi process. We provide rationale for using Persistent spinal pain syndrome and a schema for its incorporation into ICD-11. We propose the adoption of this term would strengthen the new ICD-11 classification. Conclusions This project is important to those in the fields of pain management, spine surgery and neuromodulation, as well as patients labelled with FBSS. Through a shift in perspective it could facilitate the application of the new ICD-11 classification and allow clearer discussion amongst medical professionals, industry, funding organisations, academia, and the legal profession.

Defining minimal clinically important differences in pain and disability outcomes of patients with chronic pain treated with spinal cord stimulation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Shelby Sabourin ◽  
Justin Tram ◽  
Breanna L. Sheldon ◽  
Julie G. Pilitsis
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Mcgill Pain Questionnaire ◽  
Minimum Detectable Change ◽  
Failed Back Surgery

OBJECTIVE Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds for a limited number of outcome metrics were previously defined for patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) at 6 months after spinal cord stimulation (SCS). This study aimed to further define MCID values for pain and disability outcomes. Additionally, the authors established 1-year MCID values for outcome measures with previously defined metrics commonly used to assess SCS efficacy. METHODS Preoperative and 1-year postoperative outcomes were collected from 114 patients who received SCS therapy for FBSS, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathic pain. MCID values were established for the numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Four established anchor-based methods were utilized to compute MCID values with two anchored questions: “Are you satisfied with SCS therapy?” and “Would you have SCS surgery again?” For each question, patients were categorized as responders if they answered “yes” or as nonresponders if they responded “no.” The methodologies utilized to compute MCID scores included the average change method, minimum detectable change approach, change difference calculation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis has been shown to inform the accuracy at which the MCID value can distinguish responders from nonresponders and was analyzed for each instrument. RESULTS For the first time, ranges of MCID values after SCS were established for MPQ (1–2.3) and PCS (1.9–13.6). One-year MCID values were defined for all indications: NRS (range 0.9–2.7), ODI (3.5–6.9), and BDI (2–5.9). AUC values were significant for NRS (0.78, p < 0.001), ODI (0.71, p = 0.003), MPQ (0.74, p < 0.001), and PCS (0.77, p < 0.001), indicating notable accuracy for distinguishing satisfied patients. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to successfully determine MCID values for two prominent instruments, MPQ and PCS, used to assess pain after SCS surgery. Additionally, previously established MCID values for ODI, BDI, and the visual analog scale for patients with FBSS at 6 months after treatment were explored at 12 months for the most common indications for SCS. These data may better inform physicians of patient response to and success with SCS therapy.

scholarly journals Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome With Failed High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation Salvaged With Arthrodesis Revision Surgery and Burst Therapy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin McCormack ◽  
Mansour H Mathkour ◽  
Lora Wallis Kahn ◽  
Maged Guirguis ◽  
Gassan Chaiban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Foot Pain ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling form of constant and intense chronic pain involving a limb. Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is chronic back pain following back surgery. Burst stimulation is a novel concept applied recently to treat chronic pain through spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The impulses are thought to travel to the thalamus to treat sensory, affective, and attentional components of neuropathic pain by targeting both the somatosensory cortex and the limbic system. METHODS A 50-yr-old female presented 1 yr after L5-S1 posterior instrumentation and posterolateral arthrodesis for spondylolisthesis with disabling Type I CRPS of her left foot and back pain. Postoperative improvement in back pain was noted but her left leg pain became worse despite SCS reprogramming. Two months later, she underwent placement of a different paddle lead at T12 and a new pulse generator using burst therapy. This resulted in complete resolution of foot pain. She remains pain-free 5 mo postoperatively. RESULTS Our patient underwent a T9-T10 high frequency (10 kHz) SCS trial followed by permanent paddle lead placement at T9-10 which provided more than 50% foot pain relief resulting in improved range of motion. However, worsening back pain and pseudoarthrosis mandated a revision of her prior arthrodesis 6 mo after SCS surgery. CONCLUSION In selected patients with FBSS and CRPS, revision of arthrodesis combined with SCS may be needed to achieve adequate pain relief. Burst therapy may be superior to high frequency stimulation in select patients.

Application of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of persistent pain in failed back surgery syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
A. В. Dmitriev ◽  
D. A. Rzaev ◽  
N. P. Denisova
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Neurogenic Pain ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery

The study objectiveis to demonstrate our experience of the spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of drug-resistant pain in patients with the failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and to evaluate its effectiveness and complications.Materials and methods.Systems for chronic spinal cord stimulation were implanted in 78 patients suffering from FBSS in Federal Neurosurgical Center (Novosibirsk) during 2013–2015. All patients had a drug-resistant neurogenic pain syndrome character and were undergone surgical intervention on the spine. Evaluating of the treatment effectiveness was carried out by visual analogue scale (VAS) and a scale Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4). Catamnesis ranged from 6 to 18 months.Results.The median preoperative VAS score evaluation was 6.7, at hospital discharge – 3.1, after 6 months – 3.2, after 12 months – 3.5, after 18 months – 3.4. Evaluation on a scale DN4 before surgery was 5.3, at hospital discharge – 2.1, after 6 months – 2.4, after 12 months – 2.5, after 18 months – 2.4. Complications in the form of migration, fracture of the electrodes and development of hemorrhage or inflammation at the site of implantation of the system were observed in 12 (15.3 %) cases and required revision surgery.Conclusion.Spinal stimulation is an effective and safe method of treatment of pain in FBSS, but it has specific complications associated with implantable systems.

Special Report—First Comprehensive Guidelines Published for Neurostimulation Therapy

US Neurology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Jason E Pope ◽  
Stanley Golovac ◽  
Simon Thomson ◽  
Timothy R Deer ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
International Panel ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Refractory Angina Pectoris ◽  
Pain Care

Neuromodulation has a growing role in the management of chronic pain. An international panel of experts has reviewed the evidence and issued guidance regarding the appropriate use of neurostimulation. It is understood that a patient-centric cadence of progression through the pain care algorithm must be considered. Neurostimulation may offer long-term cost savings and improved functional status without complications from long-term opioid use. Indications for consideration of neurostimulation include failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, peripheral neuropathic pain, chronic peripheral ischemic pain, and refractory angina pectoris. Criteria crucial for success include appropriate patient selection and education, proper use of sterile facilities, attentive follow-up by the healthcare team, and provider training.

scholarly journals Recharging Difficulty With Pulse Generator After Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case Series of Five Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyang Li ◽  
Daoqing Su ◽  
Yijie Lai ◽  
Xinmeng Xu ◽  
Chencheng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Initial Surgery ◽  
Rechargeable Cell ◽  
Deep Brain

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established treatment for a variety of movement disorders. Rechargeable cell technology was introduced to pulse generator more than 10 years ago and brought great benefits to patients. However, with the widespread use of rechargeable implanted pulse generators (r-IPGs), a new hardware complication, when charging the r-IPG has been difficult, was encountered.Objective: The aims of this study were to report five cases confronted with r-IPG charging difficulty postoperatively and to explore the predisposing factors and treatment strategies for this rare complication.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our DBS patient database for those who were implanted with r-IPGs. From 2012, we identified a total of 1,226 patients, with five of them experiencing charging difficulties after surgery. Detailed patient profiles and clinical procedures were scrutinized and reviewed.Results: All the charging problems were resolved by reoperation. Cases 1 and 2 required their r-IPGs to be anchored to the muscle and fascia. Cases 3 and 4 had their r-IPGs inserted in the wrong orientation at the initial surgery, which was resolved by turning around the r-IPGs at the revision surgery. Case 5, in which we propose that the thick subcutaneous fat layer blocked the connection between the r-IPG and the recharger, required a second operation to reposition the r-IPG in a shallow layer underneath the skin. For all cases, the charging problems were resolved without reoccurrences to date.Conclusion: Our case series indicates a novel hardware complication of DBS surgery, which had been rarely reported before. In this preliminary study, we describe several underlying causes of this complication and treatment methods.

scholarly journals Effects of Movement and Postural Positions in Spinal Cord Stimulation in the New Rechargeable Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 4;17 (4;7) ◽  
pp. E345-E352
Author(s):  
David Abejón
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Therapeutic Range ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Constant Current ◽  
Perception Threshold ◽  
Patients Satisfaction ◽  
Postural Changes ◽  
Failed Back Surgery

Background: Despite recent developments in implantable neurostimulation devices, the adjustment of stimulation levels to the patient’s postural changes has remained a problem so far. Objective: This study was conducted with the newest rechargeable devices, in order to compare its results with the ones published from conventional systems. Study Design: It is a prospective study. Setting: In 46 patients implanted with rechargeable constant current stimulation systems we measured impedance, stimulation thresholds, therapeutic range, as well patients’ satisfaction and sensation in 7 different body postures. Results: Data analysis was performed in 46 patients, whose most frequent pathologies were failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The lowest amplitude needed to reach the different thresholds was always scored in the supine decubitus position, with no significant changes in the therapeutic range and impedance. For all stimulation thresholds, there is always a difference between the supine position and all other postures. No statistically significant differences with regard to patients’ satisfaction and sensation were found for the different postures. Limitations: Sample sample size. Conclusion: The findings of the present work are similar to those described in previous publications that showed the relationship between postural changes and several stimulation thresholds and pulse energy. The posture which requires lower energy — and whose corresponding therapeutic range (TR) is narrower — is supine decubitus. Key words: Spinal cord stimulation, change posture, rechargeable systems, sensor generation, threshold perception, threshold discomfort

scholarly journals Spinal Cord Stimulation as Treatment for Cancer and Chemotherapy-Induced Pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna L. Sheldon ◽  
Jonathan Bao ◽  
Olga Khazen ◽  
Julie G. Pilitsis
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Failed Back Surgery

Neuropathic pain is a rampant disease exacting a significant toll on patients, providers, and health care systems around the globe. Neuromodulation has been successfully employed to treat many indications including failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), phantom limb pain (PLP), radiculopathies, and intractable pelvic pain, among many others. Recent studies have also demonstrated efficacy for cancer-related pain and chemotherapy induced neuropathy with these techniques. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is the most commonly employed technique and involves implantation of percutaneous or paddle leads targeting the dorsal columns of the spinal cord with the goal of disrupting the pain signals traveling to the brain. Tonic, high frequency, and burst waveforms have all been shown to reduce pain and disability in chronic pain patients. Closed-loop SCS systems that automatically adjust stimulation parameters based on feedback (such as evoked compound action potentials) are becoming increasingly used to help ease the burden placed on patients to adjust their programming to their pain and position. Additionally, dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) is a newer technique that allows for dermatomal coverage especially in patients with pain in up to two dermatomes. Regardless of the technique chosen, neuromodulation has been shown to be cost-effective and efficacious and should be given full consideration in patients with chronic pain conditions.

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