Placement of spinal cord stimulation paddle leads in the thoracic spine using en bloc laminoplasty: A technical note

Objective

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has become a successful treatment option for managing chronic pain syndromes. Conventional methods for placing SCS leads include percutaneous insertion or open laminectomy in cases requiring better visualization. However, achieving accurate placement of paddle leads while minimizing surgical invasiveness remains a challenge in cases with anatomic constraints such as dural scarring.

Methods

We present a novel surgical technique for the placement of SCS paddle leads in the thoracic spine using en bloc laminoplasty, which is currently employed at our institution for patients with chronic pain syndromes.

Conclusions

This technique can provide accurate placement of paddle leads in patients with anatomic constraints or dural scarring that impede percutaneous implantation. Additionally, it offers potential structural advantages over laminectomy by reconstituting posterior stabilization and protection of the paddle leads.