Changing Stimulation Frequency Improves Implanted Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Effects After Posttraumatic Total Hip...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Total hip arthroplasty (THA) effectively treats hip conditions like osteoarthritis, but persistent postoperative pain affects up to 28% of patients.
• Currently, non-pharmacological treatments for persistent pain after THA are limited.
• Posttraumatic arthritis can lead to chronic pain and functional deficits following THA.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old male patient experienced persistent pain and weakness after posttraumatic THA.
• He underwent treatment with a percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator targeting the femoral nerve.
• Stimulation parameters were adjusted from sensory-level (100 Hz) to motor-level (12 Hz).

Findings:

• The patient demonstrated significant improvement in hip flexion strength, increasing from 10.36 kg to 23.04 kg.
• Functional outcomes improved, with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale score rising from 43.75% to 67.5% within five weeks.
• The treatment successfully alleviated chronic pain and weakness post-THA.

Implications:

• Peripheral nerve stimulation presents a promising non-pharmacological option for managing persistent pain and weakness after THA.
• This approach may be particularly beneficial for patients with posttraumatic arthritis.
• Further research into neuromodulation techniques could enhance recovery and quality of life for THA patients.