A case report of subcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of axial back pain associated with postlaminectomy syndrome

Objective. This article aims to present a case of the use of an alternative form of neuromodulation for the treatment of axial back pain associated with postlaminectomy syndrome. Materials and Methods. An elderly patient with long-standing axial back pain in the setting of a prior decompressive laminectomy presented for evaluation and treatment. After failing to obtain significant benefit from more conservative measures, a trial of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) was performed. Results. The patient reported > 75% relief of his pain during the seven-day trial period, and accordingly a permanent PNS system was implanted. The permanent system consisted of four Medtronic Quad Plus leads, two on each side of midline oriented horizontally over the L4-5 paraspinous muscles. Our patient was ultimately weaned off of all narcotic medications and, at one year follow-up, continues to report > 90% reduction of pain.