Article
Stimulation for sacroiliac joint pain
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Published: | May 13, 2014 |
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Objective: To determine the effectiveness of SIJ peripheral nerve stimulation in patients with severe therapy-refractory SIJ pain.
Method: Here we present 12 patients with severe therapy-refractory pain receiving a SIJ peripheral nerve stimulation. Patients satisfaction, pain and quality of life were evaluated by means of the International Patient Satisfaction Index (IPSI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI) using standard questionnaires. For stimulation we placed a standard 8 pole peripheral nerve electrode parallel to the SIJ. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney-U-test and the preoperative VAS and ODI score served as basis for comparison.
Results: Two weeks postoperatively our patients reported an average ODI reduction from 57% to 32% and VAS from 8.9 to 1.8. IPSI was 1.1. After six months the therapy was rated as effective in 6 out of 7 patients. The average ODI was low 26% (p=0.0006) while the VAS index rose to 3.1 (p<0.0001) and IPSI to 1.9. Twelve months after stimulation 4 out of 5 patients considered their treatment a success with an average ODI of 27% (p<0.0005), VAS 2,6 (p<0.0001) and IPSI 1.4.
Conclusions: We conclude that SIJ stimulation is a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of intractable SIJ pain. Further studies are required to determine the precise target group and long-term effect of this novel treatment method.