A Case Report of Subcutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Axial Back Pain Associated With Postlaminectomy Syndrome

Objective. This article aims to present a case of the use of an alternative form of neuromodulation for the treatment of axial back pain associated with postlaminectomy syndrome. Materials and Methods. An elderly patient with long‐standing axial back pain in the setting of a prior decompressive laminectomy presented for evaluation and treatment. After failing to obtain significant benefit from more conservative measures, a trial of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) was performed. Results. The patient reported > 75% relief of his pain during the seven‐day trial period, and accordingly a permanent PNS system was implanted. The permanent system consisted of four Medtronic Quad Plus leads, two on each side of midline oriented horizontally over the L4–5 paraspinous muscles. Our patient was ultimately weaned off of all narcotic medications and, at one year follow‐up, continues to report > 90% reduction of pain.