Spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome: a prospective study of 19 patients at two centers.

Objectives. Prospective studies using specific outcome measures for the treatment of complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) using spinal cord stimulation are lacking in the literature. The current prospective study followed 19 patients with the objective of analyzing such patients using specific outcome measures including the McGill Pain Rating Index, the Sickness Impact Profile, Oswestry Disability, Beck Depression Inventory, and Visual Analog Scale Scores. Materials and Methods. Nineteen patients are reported as a subgroup enrolled at two centers participating in a multicenter study of efficacy/outcomes of spinal cord stimulation. These patients were specifically identified as having CRPS and followed as a separate group. Specific preimplant and postimplant tests to measure outcome were administered. Results. Statistically significant improvement in the Sickness Impact Profile physical and psychosocial subscales is documented. The McGill Pain Rating Index words chosen and sensory subscale also improved significantly as did Visual Analog Scale scores. The Beck Depression Inventory trended toward significant improvement. Conclusions. Patients with CRPS benefit significantly from the use of spinal cord stimulation, based on average follow-up of 7.9 months.