British Journal of Anaesthesia 92 (3): 348±53 (2004)
DOI: 10.1093/bja/aeh072
Advanced Access publication January 22, 2004
Spinal cord stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome: cervical and lumbar devices are comparably effective T. Forouzanfar1, M. A. Kemler2, W. E. J. Weber1, A. G. H. Kessels3 and M. van Kleef1* 1
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Pain Management and Research Centre, Department of Anaesthesiology, 2Department of Surgery and Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands *Corresponding author: M. van Kleef, Pain Management and Research Centre, University Hospital Maastricht, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail:
[email protected] Background. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used since 1967 for the treatment of patients with chronic pain. However, long-term effects of this treatment have not been reported. The present study investigated the long-term effects of cervical and lumbar SCS in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I. Methods. Thirty-six patients with a de®nitive implant were included in this study. A pain diary was obtained from all patients before treatment and 6 months and 1 and 2 years after implantation. All patients were asked to complete a seven-point Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale and the Euroqol-5D (EQ-5D) at each post-implant assessment point. Results. The pain intensity was reduced at 6 months, 1 and 2 years after implantation (P
