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Global usage of spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic pain syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Peter D Vu1,2, Noushad Mamun3, Lei Feng4
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA pvu3@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Background/Importance:
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic pain conditions when conventional treatments fail. However, global research implementation varies significantly due to patient demographics, healthcare infrastructure, and economic factors, creating disparities in access that directly impact patient care and public health outcomes.
Objective:
To evaluate the global landscape of SCS research by analyzing patient demographics, geographic distribution, funding sources, and pain conditions treated across chronic pain populations aged 18 years and older, with primary focus on associations between geographic regions and patient age demographics.
Evidence Review:
We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching five major databases through October 2024. Studies from 2000 onward reporting SCS in adults with chronic pain lasting 3 months or longer were included. We included randomized trials, comparative studies, and case series with at least 10 patients, excluding commentaries, reviews, and insurance databases.
Findings:
Analysis of 187 studies revealed heterogeneity in age distributions across geographic regions, with Asian studies showing higher mean ages compared to North America, while European showed lower mean ages. Research concentration was predominantly in high-income regions, with 57% of studies receiving industry funding and significant associations between funding source and geographic origin. Post-surgical pain syndrome-thoracolumbar emerged as the most prevalent condition globally, representing 44.9% of cases.
Conclusions:
Significant associations exist between geographic regions and patient demographics in SCS research, with notable disparities in research concentration highlighting the need for broader investigation in underrepresented areas to optimize global application of this chronic pain management therapy.
Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42025635147.
