Use of Spinal Cord Stimulator for Treatment of Lumbar Radiculopathy in a Patient with Severe Kyphoscoliosis

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been a therapeutic option for chronic pain for over 40 years with a common indication being failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). This case reports the successful implantation of a spinal cord stimulator in a patient with FBSS and kyphoscoliosis for treatment of radicular pain. Technical considerations and anatomical difficulties that may be encountered during placement with kyphoscoliosis will be discussed. This patient had failed other therapies including oral medications, epidural steroid injections, spinal surgeries, and physical and aquatic therapies. On physical examination the patient had a severely deformed lumbar spine. Careful review of the spine radiographs and CT scan revealed lead placement might be possible at the level of T12-L1 or L1-2. A Medline search did not reveal a case of kyphoscoliosis with radicular pain treated with SCS. After a successful percutaneous trial, a SCS was implanted. Fourteen weeks later, the patient reported being pain free with an increased physical activity level and opioid discontinuation. Technical considerations with kyphoscoliosis may discourage pain physicians from attempting SCS. This case illustrates that with careful selection, some of these patients may be candidates for SCS with good results. Key words: Spinal cord stimulator, spinal cord stimulation, failed back surgery syndrome, kyphoscoliosis, back pain, lumbar radiculopathy