Long-term outcome of patients treated with spinal cord stimulation for therapeutically refractory failed back surgery syndrome: a retrospective study

Background and purpose

Long-term efficiency (> 5 years) of spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome is poorly described in literature. The aims of our study were to evaluate the long-term efficiency and the quality of life of our series of patients with spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome.

Methods

The data of 55 patients implanted successively in our institution between 1995 and 2005 for failed back surgery syndrome were collected retrospectively. We contacted them for a telephone survey focused on efficiency, quality of life and treatment satisfaction.

Results

An internal pulse generator was placed in 42 patients. Thirty-two of them were contacted to answer our survey with a mean follow-up of 8.3 years. Seventy-five percent of our population reported a pain decrease of greater or equal to 50%. The efficiency of percutaneous leads was reported as 50% for the quadripolars and 83% for the octopolars. The surgical leads evaluations were positive in 70% for 4 × 1 as well as for 4 × 2 leads. We observed a default of low back pain relief in 84% of patients with an incomplete pain relief (59%). The ability to sit, get out of the bed, and climb stairs increased in 75%. The walk was better in 82%. Decrease in drug consumption of greater or equal to 50% was observed in 66%.

Conclusions

Our retrospective study demonstrates a satisfaction of 75% of the patients after 8.3-years follow-up. Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment for refractory failed back surgery syndrome.