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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation
Published on: October 13, 2016
An Anatomy-Informed, Novel Technique for S1 Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Lead Placement
Kenneth B Chapman1,2,3,4, Noud van Helmond1,4, Jan Willem Kallewaard5
1The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York, New York, USA.
Objective:
A heightened and organized understanding of sacral anatomy could potentially lead to a more effective and safe method of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) lead placement. The aim of this technical note is to describe a standardized access method for S1 DRG-S lead placement.
Design:
Technical note.
Methods:
The described approach utilizes alignment of the lumbosacral prominence and is measurement-based, allowing for standardized sacral access, even when visualization is suboptimal. The medial-to-lateral needle trajectory is designed to limit interaction with the sensitive neural structures and allows for a more parallel orientation of the lead to the DRG and nerve root.
Conclusions:
The described technique potentially improves the safety of S1 DRG-S lead placement. The parallel lead orientation to the DRG may also increase efficacy while lowering energy requirements.

