We present a novel technique that allows for safe placement of a paddle-type SCS electrode in more challenging surgical circumstances, including the presence of epidural scar tissue.

There have been reported cases of spinal cord injury related to paddle electrode placement. Placement of paddle electrode can be challenging, usually because of the presence of epidural scar tissue. SCS is a widely accepted treatment modality for chronic neuropathic pain. All electrodes were placed between T8 and T10 levels, and we were able to place the electrodes in the midline and achieve adequate coverage in all cases. Safe placement of SCS electrode was achieved in all eight patients without any complications. The surgeon opens that capsule to carefully detach the leads. Sometimes, the improvement occurs immediately after back surgery, but. This is often preceded by an initial period of pain relief, after which the patient slowly develops recurrent leg pain or back pain.

We have applied this technique in eight patients. This incision exposes the scar capsule that was created when the leads were initially implanted. Typically, symptoms associated with epidural fibrosis (scar tissue around the nerve root) appear at 6 to 12 weeks after back surgery. The technique involves creating a laminotomy trough to provide an adequate window for dissection of scar tissue to ensure safe placement of the electrode. We developed a new surgical technique for placement of paddle-type SCS electrode in presence of epidural scar tissue when conventional placement methods had failed. The objective of this study is to present a novel surgical technique for safe placement of paddle-type spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrode in the presence of epidural scar tissue.

Spinal cord stimulator scar