The effect of subcutaneous nerve stimulation (SCNS) on pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip.
A novel form of subcutaneous nerve stimulation (SCNS) was recently introduced for the relief of chronic pain. We present a study using this form of SCNS applied over the radial, median and saphenous nerves in patients with clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis of the hip. Acceptable pain relief was obtained in 60% of patients receiving stimulation, however, comparable analgesia was achieved in a control group, who received no electrical stimulation through similarly placed needles. We suggest that these results may be explained by the ability of SCNS to evoke a placebo response. The efficacy of the placebo effect and the ethical implications of its use in clinical practice are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation