Spinal cord stimulator failure: Migration of a thoracic epidural paddle to the cervical spine

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulators successfully treat a number of pain syndromes but carry a risk of hardware complications. Here, we present a case of cranial migration of a thoracic epidural paddle to the cervical spine. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 53-year-old male underwent uncomplicated spinal cord stimulator placement at the T10– T11 with initially favorable results. However, postoperatively, he complained of paresthesias in his arms. An X-ray demonstrated cranial migration of the thoracic epidural paddle to the cervical spine. The stimulator/new paddle was placed again at the T10–T11 level, but the leads were now secured to the caudal lamina utilizing a cranial plating system. The patient subsequently did well without further sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: A thoracic epidural paddle (T10–T11) migrated postoperatively into the cervical spine. It was subsequently removed and replaced into the thoracic region, but the leads were now secured in place with a novel caudal lamina/cranial plating system.