SPINAL CORD STIMULATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

A. Merlini¹, C. Bertone¹, D. Boarato², E. Biordi², G. Sindaco¹, M. La Grua¹, M. Mazzullo¹, L. Ceciliato¹, W. Rossi¹, G. Pari¹ | ¹Pain Unit, Santa Maria Maddalena Hospital, Occhiobello (RO); ²Advanced Algology Research

INTRODUCTION
Pain is a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). Effective treatment requires a holistic approach. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for refractory pain, with better outcomes when initiated early.
AIM
To examine the long-term impact of SCS on QoL using standardized questionnaires administered before and after treatment.
METHODS
Adults with persistent pain from failed spinal surgery (PSPS2) or CRPS undergoing SCS were included. QoL was assessed via SF-12, QUID, NRS, and PCS questionnaires before electrode implantation and 1 year post neurostimulator implantation. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP 0.19.1 for Mac, using paired sample t-tests and Bonferroni correction (p<0.05).
RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients (21 women, 16 men; mean age 66.86 ± 13.38 years) were analyzed. After 1 year, the SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS improve (from 27.09 to 31.24 and from 33.64 to 40.30 respectively). Also PCS score improves from 36.51 to 25.86 and QUID from 25.21 to 10.49. NRS values show a slight improvement both at rest (5.42 to 4.19) and in movement (8.34 to 6.92). The percentages of variations are 23.48% and 14.44% respectively. All indices were statistically significant (p<0,05).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limited sample size, the study highlights a substantial improvement in QoL after 1 year of SCS. The NRS values show a statistically significant variation but a little clinical upgrade. On the other side the SF-12, PCS and QUID shows both statistically and clinically improvement. Results underscore the importance of multidimensional QoL assessments and timely patient selection to optimize outcomes.