title: Spinal Cord Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I [RSD]: a Retrospective Multicenter Experience from 1995 to 1998 of 101 Patients.
abstract: Objective. To evaluate effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) applied to complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I). To analyze trends to focus the design of a multicenter prospective study. Design. Retrospective multicenter series, 3 years. Outcome measures. We collected visual analog scales for pain and patient satisfaction data on n= 101 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I had single-lead quadrapolar systems, Group II had dual-lead octapolar systems. Results. Mean pain scores decreased in both groups with a significantly greater decrease in Group II (p < 0.0001). 74.6% of Group II patients preferred multiple programming arrays with 15.5% requiring frequencies > 250Hz.; overall satisfaction scores were 70% in Group I and 91% in Group II (p < 0.05). Conclusions. SCS is an effective treatment of pain in CRPS I. Frequencies > 250Hz were necessary in some patients to maintain or re-establish pain control. Bilateral multielectrode leads appear superior with application of multiple arrays, permitting paresthesia steering without need for surgical revision. A multicenter, prospective design is needed applying dual-lead multichannel systems with high frequency capabilities in the treatment of CRPS I.
authors.affiliation: Western Integrative Treatment Centers; Denver, Colorado,                    Pain and Health Management Center; Houston, Texas,                    Northwest Neuroscience Associates; Seattle, Washington,                    Semmes-Murphy Clinic; Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Aló
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oakley
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Feler