The severe trunk or lower limb pain and related functional disability can be significantly managed 12-months after the implantation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. The DRG stimulation is latest neuromodulation approach, which provides effective relief from pain with total safety for various etiologies.

Frank J. P. M. Huygen and colleagues conducted a prospective observational study to assess DRG stimulation effectiveness in real-world clinical circumstances. The patients from multiple clinics of the Netherlands who suffered from the uncontrollable and chronic trunk or lower limbs pain were enrolled. The outcomes involved quality of life, rating, mood, function and pain, which was observed one year after the implantation of DRG stimulation. 

Amongst the selected 66 subjects, ineffective peripheral nerve injury, complex regional pain syndrome and back surgery syndrome produced the biggest etiologies. A total of 56 subjects went through permanent implants. The primary area of pain was reduced from 8.0 cm to 4.1 cm one year after the procedure. A  ≥50% decrease in VAS was also noticed in about 49% of patients. The quality of life, functional capacity and mood improved as well. The infection reduced, and no established lead migrations were noticed. All these outcomes confirmed that DRG stimulation considerably enhanced the functional ability and decreased the pain after 12 months of implantation.