Risk Factors Associated with Spinal Cord Stimulation Failure in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can provide long-term relief for selected patients with refractory chronic pain, but treatment failure may occur without device explantation. This study examined patient-, clinical-, and device-related factors associated with SCS failure after permanent implantation.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included 108 adults who underwent permanent SCS implantation at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal between 2007 and 2022. Failure was defined as completed or planned explantation, inadequate pain relief accompanied by a desire or plan for removal, or documented device non-use. Associations were evaluated using univariable categorical tests. Paired pain intensity and morphine milligram equivalent (MME) doses were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.