Short-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes of Multi-Contact Independent Current Control Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Low Back and Extremity Pain: An Exploratory Prospective Cohort Study.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Publication Title
Stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The effect of multi-contact independent current control (MICC) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on patient-reported outcomes in those who have lost therapeutic efficacy of a conventional SCS is not well described. We prospectively evaluated self-reported pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS-2) who were converted from a conventional to MICC SCS.
METHODS: Patients with PSPS-2 who had lost therapeutic efficacy with a constant current control (CCC) or voltage control (VC) system were enrolled, and had a MICC generator implanted. All participants were followed prospectively with standardized assessments of pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), condition-specific function (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and quality of life (Short-Form-36) at 3 and 6 months post-implantation.
RESULTS: Fifteen participants were eligible for inclusion; 3 were lost to follow-up. Mean VAS scores were significantly decreased at 3 months (5.3 ± 2.5, p = 0.009) and 6 months (5.1 ± 2.8, p = 0.005) relative to pre-implantation (VAS 8.3 ± 0.8). At 30 months, mean VAS remained significantly decreased (5.8 ± 1.6, p < 0.001). The mean disability score was significantly decreased at 6 months (ODI 40.5 ± 14.7, p = 0.029) compared to the mean preoperative score (53.6 ± 14.7). At 6 months, the minimum clinically important difference for VAS was met by 90% of patients and for ODI by 100%.
CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that MICC programming may represent a reasonable short-term salvage option for patients with PSPS-2 who have lost therapeutic efficacy with a CCC or VC SCS system. A larger study is required to evaluate superiority in terms of long-term pain control of MICC versus conventional SCS.
Volume
103
Issue
4
First Page
236
Last Page
245
Recommended Citation
Verhey LH, Orozco AR, Mankoff D, Elisevich K, Patra S. Short-term patient-reported outcomes of multi-contact independent current control spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic low back and extremity pain: An exploratory prospective cohort study. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2025;103(4):236-45. doi: 10.1159/000546430. PMID: 40652929.
DOI
10.1159/000546430
ISSN
1423-0372
PubMed ID
40652929