Direct nerve stimulation for painful peripheral neuropathies

Nineteen patients with chronic pain due to a traumatic peripheral neuropathy were treated by means of implanted nerve stimulation. In 11 (58%) pain was completely relieved and in four (21%) it was reduced sufficiently to discontinue analgesics. The average follow-up was 11.5 months. The technique is described and the failures discussed. The necessity for implanting the stimulator proximally is emphasised.