Korean J Anesthesiol.  2018 Oct;71(5):407-410. 10.4097/kja.d.17.00023.

Lead fracture of peripheral nerve stimulator for brachial plexopathy: a case report

• Choi SC
• Chae JS
• Kim YJ
• Chon JY
• Moon HS

• KMID: 2424685
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kja.d.17.00023

Abstract

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a useful treatment for chronic pain, but it can cause damage depending on its application site. Here, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man who underwent PNS for brachial plexopathy in 2015. One lead was implanted on the left medial cord to stimulate the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, and the other was implanted on the radial nerve to stimulate the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve. Both leads were inserted near the shoulder joint but did not cross it. Before PNS, the patient did not move his shoulder and elbow because of severe pain, but the treatment greatly alleviated this pain. Twenty months after the operation, both leads were fractured, and the severe pain returned. Repetitive motion near the joint was closely related to the lead fractures. In conclusion, large joints as the insertion sites of PNS leads should be avoided to prevent lead fractures.

Keyword

Complications; Fracture; Lead; Peripheral nerve; Stimulation

MeSH Terms

Brachial Plexus Neuropathies*
Chronic Pain
Elbow
Humans
Joints
Middle Aged
Peripheral Nerves*
Radial Nerve
Shoulder
Shoulder Joint