Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objective. This one-year pilot outcome study was designed to investigate prospectively a series of patients with chronic discogenic back pain who underwent intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET). Patients with chronic discogenic low back pain usually respond poorly to conservative medical care. ⋯ There were no significant complications. Conclusions. One-year pilot study outcome results suggest that IDET may be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for chronic discogenic low back pain.
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Objectives. To investigate the feasibility of inhibiting the stretch reflex of the soleus muscle by a conditioning stimulus applied to the deep peroneal nerve in spastic stroke participants during the early swing phase of gait. Materials and Methods. ⋯ Conclusions. It is concluded that the inhibition of the soleus stretch reflex with an electrical conditioning stimulus applied to the deep peroneal nerve is feasible in the early swing phase of walking. This shows a potential for being used in the rehabilitation of walking by spastic stroke persons.
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Objective. The authors attempted to design and conduct a randomized, prospective study to investigate the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with chronic back and leg pain following at least one previous surgery. While the scientific advantages of the randomized, prospective trial are considerable, the authors encountered numerous practical and ethical difficulties with conducting these trials. ⋯ Conclusions. By utilizing a randomized interventional study design, problems of comparability of procedures, provider reluctance to participate in randomized clinical trials, provider bias, detection bias, and transfer bias are eliminated. It is suggested that future investigations, particularly those which are interventionally or device-based, conform to this particular model.
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Objective. To determine the long-term relief of spasticity and complication rates in patients who underwent placement of a programmable intrathecal baclofen pump for treatment of medically intractable spasticity of spine or brain etiology. Methods. ⋯ Intrathecal baclofen is a very effective strategy for the relief of medically intractable spasticity of spine or brain etiology. Even though 36% of patients have required revisions, no patient has experienced any long-term morbidity. Patients and their primary care givers have been pleased with the long-term effects of this therapy upon quality of life.