Spinal cord stimulator implantation with immediate post-operative paraplegia: Case report

This report describes a case of immediate post-operative incomplete paraplegia following implantation of one thoracic paddle electrode to address post-laminectomy pain syndrome. Despite emergent removal of the electrode, post-operative corticosteroids, and a course of inpatient rehabilitation, the patient discharged with persistent incomplete paraplegia. Although there is rare occurrence of spinal cord injury with spinal cord neuromodulation, it is important to recognize risk factors which may lead to similar devastating complications.

• 1
  A 70-year-old male developed immediate post-operative incomplete paraplegia following spinal cord stimulator implantation with a thoracic paddle electrode.
• 2
  Post-operative MRI revealed T2 hyperintensity in the cord and moderate canal stenosis; however, no epidural hematoma was found during SCS removal.
• 3
  Pre-existing thoracic spinal canal stenosis and the use of a paddle electrode were identified as key contributing factors to the spinal cord injury.