Using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to treat neuropathic pain: a clinical series.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We examined the efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in treating neuropathic and causalgic pain, with a stimulation system specifically designated for PNS itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients were treated between January 2011 and March 2012. The percutaneous lead was implanted on the nerves, exposing it on the electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) guide. The average numeric rating scale (NRS) preimplant was 8.46, and the oxycodone intake was 90 mg/day. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients, 3 failed the trial phase and 12 were implanted with a permanent pulse generator (Lightpulse 100, Neurimpulse, Rubano, PD, Italy). At an average of 9.3 months of follow-up, the average NRS score was 3.46 (p < 0.001), and the average Likert scale score at 7 points was 5.91. Nine patients were working prior to their injuries, seven of whom returned to work after receiving an implant. The average oxycodone consumption decreased to 30 mg/day, and the pregabalin dosage decreased to 75 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Our study results confirm that PNS is an effective modality in managing severe neuropathic and intractable pain following multiple joint surgeries that are complicated by causalgic pain.