Spinal cord stimulator implantation with immediate post-operative paraplegia: Case report

The most common complication of dorsal column spinal cord stimulator implantation is hardware migration. Spinal cord injury following paddle or percutaneous lead implant is rarely reported, with an overall incidence of 0.42%. This report describes a case of immediate post-operative incomplete paraplegia following implantation of one thoracic paddle electrode to address post-laminectomy pain syndrome. Despite emergent removal of the electrode, post-operative corticosteroids, and a course of inpatient rehabilitation, the patient discharged with persistent incomplete paraplegia. Although there is rare occurrence of spinal cord injury with spinal cord neuromodulation, it is important to recognize risk factors which may lead to similar devastating complications.