Clinical Research Nurse Shepherd Center Atlanta, Georgia
Background: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is an FDA-approved non-opioid analgesic option for treating various pain conditions. PNS was introduced in 1966, but fell out of favor due to surgical and device complications. Recent advances in PNS technology have renewed interest in its use, and physicians are finding it to be an effective treatment option for many (Abd-Elsayed & D'Souza, 2021). Some PNS devices are indicated for permanent implant, while others are temporary implants only. The permanent PNS devices require a 5-to-7-day temporary lead trial to assess efficacy prior to permanent lead implant. Patients who undergo this trial should have significant ( >50%) pain relief to justify permanent device implantation.
Purpose/Objectives: We aim to explore the effectiveness of one PNS device on low back pain (LBP) during temporary trial implant.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent temporary lead placement trial using one PNS device.
Results: 20 individuals (45% male) aged 32-89 with LBP were reviewed. 50% of patients were treated at the cluneal nerve, 35% at lumbar medial branches, 10% at the sciatic nerve, and 5% at cervical medial branches. 75% of patients had successful trials, reporting >50% pain relief, therefore qualifying them for the permanent device implant. No commonalities were found for the 25% of patients who did not respond.
Conclusions/Implications for future research and/or clinical care: This data suggests that PNS is efficacious for many patients with LBP. Due to the small sample size, as well as being a retrospective chart review, additional factors that may have influenced outcomes (such as pain medication changes, therapies, or other interventions) cannot be ruled out. More research is needed to determine which subsets of patients may benefit most from this treatment.
