Open AccessDorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for the Treatment of Frostbite Neuropathy: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Chong Kim
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
interventional pain management reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2575-9841
DOI - 10.36076/pmcr.2020/4/207
Subject(s) - medicine , frostbite , neuromodulation , refractory (planetary science) , dorsal root ganglion , anesthesia , stimulation , neuropathic pain , surgery , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , dorsum , anatomy , pathology , physics , astrobiology , alternative medicine
Background: Frostbite is an injury caused by exposure to extreme cold that can result in chronic refractory pain due to sensory neuropathy in severe cases, with limited treatment options. We report the use of neuromodulation targeting the dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of refractory foot pain due to frostbite neuropathy.CasePresentation: A 65-year-old man presented 40 years after a frostbite injury with continued refractory burning and severe pain in his left foot. After failing multiple interventions, the patient underwent a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation and implantation at the left L5 level with significant improvement of his pain.Conclusion: The patient experienced significant improvement in pain at 24 months after DRG stimulation trial and implantation. This case report suggests that the use of DRG stimulation may provide effective treatment of refractory pain due to frostbite injury.Key words: Dorsal root ganglion stimulation, frostbite, frostbite neuropathy, neuralgia, neuromodulation, spinal cord stimulation