Efficacy of a Single, Percutaneous, Across Midline, Octrode® Lead Using a "Midline Anchoring" Technique in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back and/or Lower Extremity Pain: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction.  Spinal cord stimulation is a widely used treatment modality for chronic pain, especially failed back surgery syndrome. However, migration of the lead or leads, coverage of axial pain, and the selection of an optimal system configuration continue to be subjects for serious debate. Materials and Methods.  A retrospective study of the use of the method of "midline anchoring" of a single Octrode® lead, in 54 patients with low back and/or lower extremity pain, was done to assess the efficacy of this technique. Results.  During the study period of 9.3 months, only a 4% revision rate was reported. Reduction in pain of more than 50% and individual patient satisfaction scores were very high (85% and 87%, respectively). Successful bilateral pain coverage was obtained with a single Octrode® lead. The lower extremities and buttocks area were captured in 89% of the patients. Axial pain coverage was achieved in the majority of the patients, with 71% reporting adequate coverage of the upper lumbar spine. A "guarded cathode" array was used in the vast majority of the cases, with a relatively low position of the lead. Conclusions.  "Midline anchoring" of the spinal cord stimulation lead is an effective implantation technique, allowing the use of a single, percutaneous, Octrode® lead, while preventing lead migration and allowing capture of axial and lower extremity pain, unilateral as well as bilateral. This study revives the idea of a single lead as a possible optimal configuration.