Spinal cord compression from a foreign body reaction to spinal cord stimulation: a previously unreported complication

Case study.

The study presents a complication that is thought to have never before been reported with this therapeutic intervention. Results from this report are discussed with intentions to inform the neurosurgery, spine and pain management community of an additional complication associated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

SCS is a common intervention used to treat refractory neuropathic pain. Complications from this procedure are uncommon, but they do occur.

A unique complication of SCS was identified and treated. A search of the entire PubMed/Medline database failed to find any similar such complication.

An epidural mass which caused significant cervical stenosis and spinal cord compression at the site of a previous SCS electrode was identified. Decompressive laminectomies and resection of the mass were performed. The mass was characterized as fibrous tissue with foreign body giant cell reaction.

This is a unique complication of SCS about which all professionals evaluating patients who have similar implanted devices, even if they have already been removed, should be made aware of.