1. 2010;13;251-256Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain Following Total Knee Replacement
   Case Report
   Angus M. Lowry, MD, and Thomas T. Simopoulos, MD.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain after total knee replacement is common but remains poorly understood. Management options for patients with this condition are traditionally limited to pharmacological approaches.

OBJECTIVE: This article presents a case of using spinal cord stimulation in the management of chronic knee pain following total knee replacement.

DESIGN: Case report

SETTING: Pain management clinic

METHODS: A 68-year old patient presented with a 3-year history of persistent knee pain following total knee replacement. After failing to respond to medications and nerve blocks, a trial of spinal cord stimulation and subsequent permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) were performed. The Oxford knee score (OKS) was used to assess her pain and functionality before and after SCS implantation.

RESULTS: The patient reported improvement in her pain and function. Her baseline OKS was 39 and fell to 26 one year post implantation of an SCS representing a reduction of pain and disability from severe to moderate.

LIMITATIONS: A case report.

CONCLUSION: Spinal cord stimulation might be an option in the management of refractory knee pain following total knee replacement.