Work

Comparative Effectiveness of Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation and Traditional Spinal Cord Stimulation with or without Subcutaneous Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Chronic Back and Leg Pain

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), with or without subcutaneous peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS), is used to manage chronic neuropathic low back pain (LBP) and radicular leg pain (LP). Axial LBP may respond less consistently to traditional SCS. Differential target multiplexed SCS (DTM SCS) was developed from preclinical evidence suggesting modulation of pain-related neuroglial processes. Objective: To compare 12-month pain outcomes after DTM SCS with those after traditional SCS, with or without PNFS, in patients with intractable chronic LBP and/or LP. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 92 patients treated with DTM SCS or traditional SCS with or without PNFS. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment and 1, 6, and 12 months after device activation. The primary outcome was the change in LBP and LP intensity through 12 months. Complications were also recorded. Results: VAS trajectories did not differ significantly between patients treated with DTM SCS and those treated with traditional SCS with or without PNFS. This finding does not establish equivalence, and the heterogeneous comparator group precludes conclusions about DTM SCS versus traditional SCS alone.

Source: Journal of Pain Research

DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s628207