Incidence of clinically significant percutaneous spinal cord stimulator lead migration

Objective To examine the incidence of percutaneous spinal cord stimulator lead migration, given current hardware and surgical technique. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent spinal cord stimulator implantation with percutaneous leads at our institution from 2008 through 2011. We determined the number of patients who required surgical revision for clinically significant lead migration. Results Clinically significant lead migration requiring surgical revision occurred in three of 143 patients (2.1%) with primary SCS system implants utilizing percutaneous-type leads. Conclusions The rate of lead migration observed in our practice was considerably lower than previously published estimates of clinically significant lead migration or revision for lead migration (13%-22%). However, our study did not determine the reason for the decreased rate, which may be influenced by current hardware and implant techniques.