Spinal cord stimulation use in patients with failed back surgery syndrome

SUMMARY The increase in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) cases in the USA has been paralleled by an increase in the number of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) treatments performed. Over the last 40 years, SCS technique has improved drastically and has been shown to be efficacious in FBSS patients with radiculopathy and neuropathic pain. This article will focus on the current patient selection process of SCS in the setting of FBSS, with a review of pertinent clinical trials and current evidence-based guidelines. The current working mechanism of SCS, complications surrounding SCS and the definition of FBSS will also be briefly discussed.