Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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The objective of this paper is to examine the outcomes of patients with intractable low-back pain treated with epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) utilizing paddle electrodes and a radio frequency (RF) stimulator. A multicenter prospective study was performed to collect data from patients suffering from chronic low-back pain. The study was designed to collect data from 60 patients at four centers and examine their outcomes at, or up to two years post implantation. ⋯ The majority of patients reported that the procedure was worthwhile (92% at six months, 88% at one year). No patient indicated that the procedure was not worthwhile. We conclude that SCS proved beneficial at one year for the treatment of patients with chronic low back and leg pain.
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This article presents an overview of the research and clinical experience of the use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for the treatment of drop-foot in hemiplegia. The article reviews the evidence from the literature over the past 10 years to answer the question posed in the title. ⋯ Quality of research is criticized and the need for rigorous clinical studies, technological development, and collaboration between clinicians and engineers is argued. The drop foot stimulator does improve walking in hemiplegia, but factors such as patient and clinician education, reliability of equipment, and selection of patients, are important.