| REVIEW ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2020 | Volume
: 68
| Issue : 8 | Page : 213--217 |
Surgical Technique and Patient Selection for Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain
Justin Davanzo1, Nicholas J Brandmeir2
1 Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2 Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
Correspondence Address:
Nicholas J Brandmeir
Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, PO Box 9183, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV - 26506
USA
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.302462
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation surgical technique that allows the treatment of various causes of chronic pain. SCS is effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain, neuropathic pain, chronic regional pain syndrome, and failed back surgery syndrome, among others. The mechanisms underlying the efficacy are still under investigation and different mechanisms are likely responsible for the effects of different waveforms used in the therapy. Successful application of SCS to individual patients depends on patient selection and meticulous surgical technique. Important factors in patient selection depend on preoperative imaging, maximizing noninvasive therapy, and neuropsychological evaluation. Percutaneous and open techniques exist for placing both paddle-shaped epidural leads as well as typical cylindrical leads. Benefits and risks exist for both techniques and the exact technique that is optimal depends on surgeon experience and surgeon and patient preference. Complications are rare and can be minimized and managed with appropriate preoperative mitigation.
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