Paddle-Lead Spinal-Cord Stimulation Surgeries for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Single Surgeon Case-Series Outcome Analysis in Indian Population

Background Spinal-cord stimulation (SCS) for relief of chronic neuropathic pain is well established. Objective The inherent limitations with conventional percutaneous lead SCS are lead migration, positional variations in stimulation, as well as possible nonreplication of benefits after permanent SCS implantation, which were experienced during a positive trial period. To circumvent these limitations, we analyzed five consecutive cases of chronic intractable neuropathic pain who underwent direct SCS paddle lead placement during the trial period for pain relief. In addition, during the process of placing a permanent paddle lead, the impediment created by prior epidural scarring in such chronic patients can be obviated mechanically thereby increasing the efficacy of the procedure. Material and Methods The demographic details, diagnosis, preoperative visual analogue scale score (VAS), and follow-up VAS were recorded. Surgical procedure consisted of a standard dorsal laminotomy followed by placement of permanent paddle leads. Results All patients reported significant improvement in their VAS scores. Mean duration of follow-up was 23.6 months (9–35 months). Mean preoperative VAS was 9.4 and 1.4 at the last follow-up. No major complications were found. Conclusion With careful patient selection and appropriate surgical strategy, it was possible to implant permanent paddle leads during SCS trial itself in our five patients thereby replicating and sustaining the trial period pain relief. We argue that this can be a new cost-effective and reliable technique for the placement of SCS leads achieving excellent and sustained pain relief.