Spinal cord stimulation for the octogenarian: A safe and effective modality for chronic low back and leg pain

Abstract

IntroductionWhile spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be safe and effective for treatment of chronic back and leg pain, it is not offered to geriatric patients as frequently as it is to their younger counterparts. In this study, we examine SCS outcomes in older patients to determine whether SCS is a plausible safe treatment in this age group. Material & MethodsWe retrospectively identified 26 patients aged 80 or older who underwent thoracic SCS with a single neurosurgeon over a 5-year period and recontacted them to complete a survey regarding their experience. Survey responses, demographics, and complicating surgical factors were collected and summary statistics generated. ResultsOur response rate was 77% (20/26). Respondents averaged 83.6 years with a slight female preponderance (12/20, 60%). Most had two or more medical comorbidities. Only 2 (10%) experienced postoperative complications, neither requiring reoperation. Sixteen respondents (80%) were still using their stimulators, with 13 (65%) experiencing at least 50% pain relief. Fourteen of 20 patients (70%) would have SCS surgery again, and the same fraction would recommend it to a friend. Most respondents endorsed a good understanding of their devices (18/20, 90%). ConclusionsOctogenarians experienced improvement in chronic back and/or leg pain following SCS on par with pain relief observed in their younger counterparts. Further, they experienced only minor postsurgical complications despite having typical comorbidities. Based on these findings, SCS should be considered as a safe and effective treatment option for geriatric patients with refractory back and/or leg pain.