Chapter 6 - Peripheral nerve stimulation of the sacroiliac joint

Abstract

Neuromodulation is defined by the International Neuromodulation Society as a field of science, medicine, and bioengineering that encompasses implantable and nonimplantable technologies, electrical or chemical, that have an impact on neural interfaces to improve life for humanity. As a result of technological advancements and novel waveforms, the field of neuromodulation has seen exceptional growth over in recent years. An area of growing interest in the field of neuromodulation has been peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). With the ability to limit the amount of energy dispersion using focalized current, this area of therapy provides an unprecedented opportunity to treat patients with a multitude of chronic pain disorders. PNS is being explored for a variety of clinical indications, including plexus injuries, focal mononeuropathy, postamputation pain, back pain, sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ), headache, facial pain, arm, and limb pain. One novel and promising use of PNS has been in helping to relieve SIJ pain. This chapter explores the use of PNS in SIJ pain and helps to outline a detailed visual outline for this intervention in an atlas format.