Dorsal root ganglion stimulation lead fractures: potential mechanisms and ways to avoid

Case report: Dorsal root ganglion stimulator lead fracture

BACKGROUND

One of the unique advances in neuromodulation for chronic pain has been spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and dorsal root ganglion stimulators (DRG-S). These devices have aided in conditions such as neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndromes, failed back surgery, and peripheral neuropathies. With these benefits, however, complications from implantable stimulators have included lead fractures and migration. The authors reviewed a lead migration, kinking, and subsequent fracture event involving a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) II, who was treated with a DRG-S.

CASE PRESENTATION

The case report follows this patient, from their past medical history to assessment of appropriate qualifications for neuromodulation, to successful surgical placement, to follow-up care. The authors further monitored assessment of inefficacy of pain relief, and identification of lead migration and kinking through imaging. In the process of removal, due to lead stress, lead fracturing occurred. After lead removal, the leads were fully replaced, and the patient was followed up and experienced improved pain relief.

CONCLUSION

The case report assesses probable mechanisms of lead fracture and considerations for physicians for future assessment and triage of neuromodulation efficacy.

Best Practices for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Chronic Pain: Guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience

With continued innovations in neuromodulation comes the need for evolving reviews of best practices. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) has significantly improved the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and it has broad applicability across a wide range of other conditions. Through funding and organizational leadership by the American Society for Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN), this best practices consensus document has been developed for the selection, implantation, and use of DRG stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. This document is composed of a comprehensive narrative literature review that has been performed regarding the role of the DRG in chronic pain and the clinical evidence for DRG-S as a treatment for multiple pain etiologies. Best practice recommendations encompass safety management, implantation techniques, and mitigation of the potential complications reported in the literature. Looking to the future of neuromodulation, DRG-S holds promise as a robust intervention for otherwise intractable pain.