1. 2024;27;E725-E730Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Using High-frequency Electromagnetic Coupling (HF-EMC) Technology to Power an Implanted Neurostimulator With a Separate Receiver for Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
   Retrospective Study
   Ellen Lin, MD.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is estimated to be prevalent in up to 12% of the population, increasing to 30% in older demographics. This makes peripheral neuropathy one of the most common neurological diseases in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aims to report on the efficacy and safety of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) on the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in a commercial setting.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. A chart review was conducted for all eligible study patients.

SETTING: This study was conducted at the Advanced Spine and Pain Center in San Antonio, a center focused on physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management and advanced interventional procedures that effectively ease pain.

METHODS: From September 2018 through July 2022, a total of 63 consecutive patients with peripheral neuropathy who presented with chronic pain symptoms originating from the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and groin were trialed in this study. All patients were required to be at least 18 years old. These patients underwent PNS therapy via implantation of the Freedom® PNS System (Curonix LLC) in order to treat their chronic pain related to or due to peripheral neuropathy from various peripheral nerve origins.

RESULTS: The mean Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) score of 63 patients at baseline was 7.24 (SD, 1.80). At 2-3 weeks postimplantation, the mean NRS-11 score decreased to 3.43 (SD, 2.38). A total of 53 out of the 63 patients reported a reduction in their NRS-11 score at the 2-3 week follow-up. A total of 24 patients completed a long-term follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 763.13 days (SD, 428.42); all patients had their PNS system permanently implanted for at least 8 months (range, 255-1,592 days).

LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study investigating the efficacy and safety of the Freedom® PNS System in patients with peripheral neuropathy. We were limited to the data available in the patient charts.

CONCLUSION: PNS effectively treats chronic pain due to peripheral neuropathy for patients who have failed other conservative treatments.

KEY WORDS: Peripheral nerve stimulation, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathy