Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Multicenter Study
A Prospective Study of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Non-Operated Discogenic Low Back Pain.
Disruptions of lumbar intervertebral discs may lead to severe discogenic low back pain (LBP). Severe pain has a deleterious effect on physical function and quality of life. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a robust treatment for many neuropathic pain conditions. New innovations may be well-suited to treat neuropathic chronic LBP, including discogenic pain. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the effect of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for a well-selected group of patients with discogenic LBP with no history of previous back surgeries. ⋯ DRG stimulation treatment for discogenic LBP improved the level of pain, function, and quality of life. Further research is necessary into efficacy of DRG stimulation in patients with chronic discogenic LBP and to determine the place of SCS in the treatment algorithm.
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Case Reports
The Importance of the Location of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator Electrodes Within the Nerve Root Exit Foramen.
To quantify the relationship between the electrical power requirement to achieve pain relief and the position of the active electrode of dorsal root ganglion stimulators within the spinal nerve root exit foramen. ⋯ Aiming for a superodorsal electrode position on lateral intraoperative fluoroscopy is desirable, since siting leads in this location reduces the required stimulator output power very substantially and thus will extend battery life. Position within the foramen does not determine clinical outcome, and so the implanter can safely aim for the low power site without detriment to the analgesic efficacy of the system.
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Stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the treatment of chronic, intractable pain has shown excellent clinical results in multiple published studies, including a large prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Both safety and efficacy have been demonstrated utilizing this therapeutic approach for many chronic complaints. Continued assessment of neuromodulation therapies, such as DRG stimulation, are not only an important aspect of vigilant care, but are also necessary for the evaluation for safety. ⋯ The current results from a large consecutive cohort obtained from manufacturer records indicates that DRG stimulation demonstrates an excellent safety profile. Reported event rates are similar to previously reported adverse event and complaint rates in the literature for this therapy. Similarly, safety events rates were lower or similar to previously reported rates for SCS, further demonstrating the comparative safety of this neuromodulation technique for chronic pain treatment.
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Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation has been established as a therapy in the treatment of chronic pain. Ideal electrode placement is guided by proper identification of the location of the DRG. The location of the S1 DRG is not well delineated and can be variable making ideal location of the electrode placement difficult based on fluoroscopic imaging. ⋯ This analysis of S1 DRG programming demonstrates that ideal positioning of the majority of the contacts for the electrode should be posterior and along the sacral border on fluoroscopic imaging. These findings also suggest that the S1 DRG may be located most reproducibly at the border of the intraforaminal and intracanalicular region.