Change in opioid use following spinal cord stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Spinal cord stimulation is associated with reduced opioid dose consumption and increased odds of opioid cessation at 12 months postimplantation compared with baseline in patients with chronic pain; however, both of these conclusions are supported by evidence of very low GRADE certainty.
Study context
- Population
- Patients who underwent spinal cord stimulator implantation for chronic pain43 studies
- Comparison
- After vs before spinal cord stimulator implantation
- Outcome
- Change in continuous opioid use (morphine milligram equivalent (MME)) and categorical opioid use (yes/no)
- Follow-up
- 12 months
Methodological detailsrandom effects model with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) certainty assessment
- Random effects model with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment
- GRADE certainty assessment
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
12 month vs PreimplantationWeighted mean difference, MME (95% CI)P value
Continuous MME use; 22 study comparisons (1,666 individuals); 95% prediction interval −38.29 to 2.17
−18.06(−24.41 to −11.70)
P < 0.00112 month vs PreimplantationOdds ratio (95% CI)P value
Categorical opioid use; 24 study comparisons (1,527 individuals); 95% prediction interval 0.10 to 2.11; lower odds of opioid continuation
0.47(0.30–0.75)
P = 0.003Original publication
Change in opioid use following spinal cord stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 12 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →