Korean J Pain.  2005 Dec;18(2):240-245. 10.3344/kjp.2005.18.2.240.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation and Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion in a Patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the Lower Extremity: A case report

• Kim SH
• Moon DE
• Park CM
• Ryu KH
• Seo KS
• You SH

• KMID: 2277999
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2005.18.2.240

Abstract

Herein is described the successful treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type II with the combination treatment of spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the lumbar sympathetic ganglion. A 62 years old male patient, suffering from CRPS type II in his left lower extremity, visited our pain clinic. Medication and nerve blockade produced only slight improvement in his symptoms and signs. Therefore, a linear type spinal cord simulator was inserted into the thoracic epidural space, using a non-surgical percutaneous approach, with the cephalad lead located at the T11 level. Two months later, the repositioning of the electrode to the T12 level for more effective pain control, with radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic ganglion also performed at the left L2 and 3 levels for the control of trophic change. These resulted in significant pain relief and decreased trophic change, with no complications, after which the patient was able to resume a normal life.

Keyword

complex regional pain syndrome; radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic ganglion; spinal cord stimulation

MeSH Terms

Causalgia
Electrocoagulation*
Electrodes
Epidural Space
Ganglia, Sympathetic*
Humans
Lower Extremity*
Male
Middle Aged
Nerve Block
Pain Clinics
Spinal Cord Stimulation*
Spinal Cord*