Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial: Procedural Technique

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pain Management
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Persistent post-laminectomy syndrome and refractory complex regional pain syndrome present significant treatment challenges.
• Conservative treatments and further surgical interventions may be unsuitable for some patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive guide for spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trials.
• To detail patient preparation, procedural steps, and postoperative care for SCS implantation.

Main Methods:

• The article outlines patient positioning and setup for SCS trials.
• Step-by-step procedural instructions are provided.
• Postoperative management protocols are discussed.

Main Results:

• The article serves as an instructional resource for performing SCS trials.
• It highlights pearls and pitfalls to optimize procedural success and patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Spinal cord stimulator trials are a viable option for specific chronic pain conditions.
• Proper patient selection, procedural technique, and management are crucial for effective pain relief.