How do you chose which patients are eligible for a percutaneous spinal cord stimulator trial?

Candidate selection for a percutaneous SCS trial involves evaluating appropriate pain indication, patient-specific determinants (psychological, behavioral, medical), and absence of absolute contraindications.

The strongest evidence supports SCS for: persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS/failed back surgery syndrome) - the most studied indication; most RCTs include a trial phase; PSPS type 1 - back and leg pain without previous surgery, complex regional pain syndrome and/or painful diabetic neuropathy.

SCS should be considered when conservative therapies have failed to provide meaningful benefit for chronic pain. This may include medications, physical therapy (chiropractic, home exercise programs), and/or injections.

Patients should n...