Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Uses High-Frequency Electromagnetic Technology to Power an Implanted Neurostimulator with a Separate Receiver for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in the Lower Extremities

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain and can be very challenging to treat using conservative management modalities. OBJECTIVES: Our study intends to present the effective management of chronic neuralgias in the lower extremities through peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). SETTING: This retrospective study included 21 patients who received a permanent Curonix Freedom® PNS System for treating chronic pain in the lower extremities. A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the baseline and follow-up parameters. METHODS: Fourteen of the patients (67%) received one neurostimulator at either the superficial peroneal or posterior tibial nerve. Seven patients (33%) received 2 neurostimulators at either the sural and superficial peroneal, posterior tibial and superficial peroneal, or common and superficial peroneal nerves. The data were collected from electronic medical records, followed by case report forms. Pain scores and complications were reported up to 6 months after permanent implantation. Adverse events (AEs) were reported descriptively and classified as serious or nonserious AEs and related or nonrelated AEs. RESULTS: At the end of the trial visit, 21 of the 21 patients (100%) reported more than 50% pain relief, with mean pain scores reducing from 7.29 ± 0.9 to 2.81 ± 0.7 (61%; P < 0.001). Nineteen patients completed the long-term follow-up. Fourteen of those 19 patients (74%) experienced at least a 50% improvement in pain. The average NRS score decreased significantly to 3.66 ± 1.8 (50%; P < 0.001). No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: PNS done with the Curonix Freedom® PNS System is an effective and safe therapy for lower-extremity neuralgias. KEY WORDS: Peripheral nerve stimulation, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathy