An Outcome Comparison of Electrode Configurations and Intraoperative Testing Techniques for Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulators for Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Thoracic spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a therapeutic option for the treatment of neuropathic pain, such as that generated from post-laminectomy syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or neuritis. Two variables that have scarcely been examined in relation to effective stimulation are the electrode type used and the method of intraoperative confirmation of paresthesia employed. We compared the effective paresthesia distribution of 3 distinct configurations of thoracic spinal cord stimulator electrodes and the 2 different neurophysiological techniques of intraoperative paresthesia confirmation.