519: Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study of a 10-Year Experience

Topic: Clinical Science
Subtopic: Pain category (ICD-11), Chronic neuropathic pain, Neuromodulation (e.g. TMS, TDCS, FUS, SCS, MCS, DBS, vagus nerve stimulation)

Background and Aims: Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for refractory chronic pain. While its efficacy in pain reduction is well-documented, real-world data regarding its multidimensional impact—including function, sleep, and emotional status—over long periods is still evolving. This study evaluates the one-year clinical outcomes and device retention among patients treated with SCS over a decade of clinical experience.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent permanent SCS implantation between 2011 and 2023 at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Outcomes were assessed one year post-implantation through clinical records and structured telephone interviews. Validated instruments were utilized, including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Pain Disability Index (PDI). Device utilization, patient satisfaction, and reasons for explantation were also recorded.

Results: A total of 69 patients completed the assessment. At the one-year follow-up, 84% (n=58) of patients continued to be active users of their stimulator. The mean patient-reported pain relief attributed to SCS was 69.8%, with high overall satisfaction (mean score of 8.16/10). Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in functional independence and social participation (BPI/PDI measures). Furthermore, active users demonstrated significant improvements in sleep initiation and maintenance (ISI). Explantation occurred in 16% (n=11) of cases, primarily due to loss of efficacy or infection.

Conclusions: In this real-world cohort, SCS provided substantial multidimensional benefits one year following implantation. The high retention rate and high levels of patient satisfaction underscore the sustained effectiveness of the therapy. These findings suggest that beyond pain relief, SCS significantly enhances quality of life, provided there is careful patient selection and diligent long-term follow-up.

References: N/A

Presenting Author: Haggai Sharon
Submitting Author: Haggai Sharon

Senior Author: Haggai Sharon

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Silviu Brill - Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
• Shahar Shalev - Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
• Hila Greener - Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
• Mulham Sabah - Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center