Spinal cord stimulation in refractory complex regional pain syndrome. A prospective study

Abstract

The objective of treatment of complex regional pain syndrome is to relieve pain and restore function in the affected limb. The aim of this study is to evaluate spinal cord stimulation as a therapy for patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, for whom adequate pain control could not be achieved with other previous treatments. A prospective study was conducted from 2018 to 2020. We included patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome refractory to other treatments or techniques, classified by demographic data. Efficacy, functionality and opioid dependence in each patient were subsequently monitored for one year. Seven of the 13 patients (53.84%) included in the study achieved significant pain relief with spinal cord stimulation. Improvements in pain and functionality were obtained, and both were statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index/Neck Disability Index (ODI/NDI) was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.011) and was lower as BMI increased. The results suggest that spinal cord stimulation is an effective therapeutic option for patients with CRPS refractory to other treatments. BMI and ODI/NDI also showed a significant correlation.