Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
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BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be a debilitating source of pain and is characterized by a combination of sensory, motor, vasomotor, and autonomic abnormalities. Neuromodulation can serve as a therapeutic intervention for groin CRPS.
CASE REPORT: Two patients with refractory CRPS in the groin and perineum underwent bilateral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation at L1 and S2. Both patients had reduction (> 70%) in their pain with lasting (> 6 months) relief.
CONCLUSIONS: CRPS can lead to changes in phenotype and function of the DRG. Stimulation of the DRG can block the passage of impulse trains where peripheral and central pathways of pain are modulated, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life. Groin and perineal pain, refractory to conventional interventions, can be successfully treated with DRG stimulation.
KEY WORDS: Case report, complex regional pain syndrome, groin pain, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, neuromodulation
