Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Reducing Bias

What measures can be taken to reduce bias in the collection of outcome data?

Having a disinterested third-party (a person not involved in patient care) collect follow-up data reduces bias.

Strength of Recommendation Evidence source(s)/rationale
B = Recommended
Uncertain validity, apparently useful
  • Weighing risk versus potential benefit and expert consensus reveals a good likelihood of a favorable outcome

Villavicencio AT, Leveque JC, Rubin L, Bulsara K, Gorecki JP. Laminectomy versus percutaneous electrode placement for spinal cord stimulation. Neurosurgery 46(2):399-405, 2000.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

van Buyten J-P, van Zundert J, Vueghs P, Vanduffel L. Efficacy of spinal cord stimulation: 10 years of experience in a pain centre in Belgium. Eur J Pain 5(3):299-307, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Sundaraj SR, Johnstone C, Noore F, Wynn P, Castro M. Spinal cord stimulation: a seven-year audit. J Clin Neurosci 12(3):264-270, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Segal R, Stacey BR, Rudy TE, Baser S, Markham J. Spinal cord stimulation revisited. Neurol Res 20(5);391-396, 1998.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Ohnmeiss DD, Rashbaum RF, Bogdanffy GM. Prospective outcome evaluation of spinal cord stimulation in patients with intractable leg pain. Spine 21(11):1344-1350, 1996.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Kidd DH, Zahurak M, James CS, Long DM. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain: experience over two decades. Neurosurgery 32(3):384-394, 1993.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Ewend ME, Lawton MA, Piantadosi S. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic, intractable pain: superiority of "multi-channel" devices. Pain 44(2):119-130, 1991.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

North RB, Kidd DH, Farrokhi F, Piantadosi S. Spinal cord stimulation versus repeated lumbosacral spine surgery for chronic pain:a randomized, controlled trial. Neurosurgery 56(1):98-106, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Leveque J-C, Villavicencio AT, Bulsara KR, Ruvin L, Gorecki JP. Spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome. Neuromodulation 4(1);1-9, 2001.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Kumar K, Nath RK, Toth C. Spinal cord stimulation is effective in the management of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Neurosurgery 40(3):503-508, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Fiume D, Sherkat S, Callovini GM, Parziale G, Gazzeri G. Treatment of the failed back surgery syndrome due to lumbo-sacral epidural fibrosis. Acta Neurochir Suppl 64:116-118, 1995.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Devulder J, de Laat M, van Bastelaere M, Rolly G. Spinal cord stimulation: a valuable treatment for chronic failed back surgery patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 13(5):296-301, 1997.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

De Mulder PA, te Rijdt B, Veeckmans G, Belmans L. Evaluation of a dual quadripolar surgically implanted spinal cord stimulation lead for failed back surgery patients with chronic low back and leg pain. Neuromodulation 8(4):219-224, 2005.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry

Aló KM, Redko V, Charnov J. Four year follow-up of dual electrode spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. Neuromodulation 5(2):79-99, 2002.
Abstract | Wikistim Entry