Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trial evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain
Authors' conclusion
There is low to moderate certainty of evidence that all types of SCS are superior to CMM for the management of chronic pain conditions.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with chronic pain16 RCTs (23 reports)
- Comparison
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) vs conventional medical management
- Outcome
- Pain intensity (0-10)
- Follow-up
- Last (within the first 24 months)
Methodological detailsfrequentist framework, direct and indirect evidence, Searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, WikiStim to December 19, 2024
- Frequentist framework
- Direct and indirect evidence
- Searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, WikiStim to December 19, 2024
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs CMMEstimate (95% CI)
SCS
MD (lowest of range) −2.37(−3.54 to −1.20)
SCS
MD (highest of range) −5.55(−7.34 to −3.76)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | MD (range) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical function · 6 monthsSCS vs CMM · 8 trials, 837 participants · low certainty evidence | −0.20 (−10.24 to 9.85) | |
| Physical function · 6 monthsSCS vs CMM · 8 trials, 837 participants · low certainty evidence | −31.04 (−44.36 to −17.33) | |
| HRQoL · 6 monthsSCS vs CMM · 8 trials, 942 participants · moderate certainty evidence | 0.15 (0.09–0.20) | |
| HRQoL · 6 monthsSCS vs CMM · 8 trials, 942 participants · moderate certainty evidence | 0.29 (0.20–0.37) | |
| −60−40−20020Difference (linear scale) |
| Outcome | OR (range) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Responder (≥50% reduction in pain intensity) · last follow-upSCS vs CMM · 13 trials, 1887 participants · very low certainty evidence | 9.75 (4.07–23.25) | |
| Responder (≥50% reduction in pain intensity) · last follow-upSCS vs CMM · 13 trials, 1887 participants · very low certainty evidence | 63.4 (18.76–212.55) | |
| 0.050.21520Odds ratio (range) (log scale) |
Original publication
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trial evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 6 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →