Available 24/7 • More Than 30 Years Experience • Serving Louisville and Lexington
call white502-253-9110
sub-hero

Blog

At Wilt Injury Lawyers, we take care of our clients like we take care of our family. Schedule a free consultation with us today so you can get the help you deserve.

What Should Be the Standard of Care for Implanting a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

If you have experienced chronic pain, you may consider having a spinal cord stimulator implanted. While many individuals have benefited from the procedure, it does not come without significant risks. If you have recently experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulator, our Louisville medical malpractice lawyers are here to recover just compensation on your behalf.

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that consists of a battery pack (generator) and small, thin wires (electrodes) that send electrical signals to targeted muscle groups. The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and vertebrae (epidural space), with the generator being placed just below the surface of the skin. When patients feel pain, they can use a remote to send electrical impulses to the spine. These impulses replace pain with a tingling sensation.

What Conditions Can a Spinal Cord Stimulator Treat?

Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat the following conditions:

Acceptable Practice for Spinal Cord Stimulation Surgery

Spinal cord stimulation surgery consists of two phases:

Trial Period

In the first stage of getting a spinal cord stimulator, you will get a temporary device to try out. Your surgeon will use a fluoroscopy to place the electrical leads in the epidural space. The procedure only requires one small incision in your lower back. The generator will remain outside your body, usually located on a belt that you wear.

During this period, you will try out the device for about a week to determine if it is helping to reduce your pain. The trial period is considered successful if your pain is reduced by at least 50%.

Surgical Stimulation Implantation

If the trial period is successful, then you will be scheduled to have the device permanently implanted. It is usually an outpatient procedure, taking about 1-2 hours in the OR. Typically, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and two incisions will be made, one along the lower abdomen or buttocks (to insert the generator) and another along the spine (to insert the electrical leads).

During the procedure, your surgeon will use a fluoroscopy to ensure appropriate placement of the leads. Once placed, the leads will be anchored by sutures to ensure that they do not move. Your surgeon may ask you questions during the procedure once the device is implanted and in operation to ensure that the device is properly working.

Risks of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

Spinal cord stimulation is a surgical procedure that is performed after all other options have been exhausted. Since it is an extreme measure, the surgery does come with risks, including:

While some risks may be unavoidable, others may be caused by the placed sutures not having the proper tension (being too loose), if the fluoroscopy was not used during the procedure, or any type of surgical error.

Speak with our Louisville Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you have experienced complications from a spinal cord stimulation surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. At Wilt Injury Lawyers, our Louisville medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of medical negligence recover the financial resources they need. To learn more, contact us online or by phone to schedule your free case review.