CASE AT A GLANCE
Electrode Placement on Thoracic Spine

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Case Overview:

62 year old man was treated by defendant for an over twenty-five-year history of axial lower back pain and left leg pain. It was recommended for him to try a spinal cord stimulator. A temporary device was placed and the patient achieved some pain relief. The temporary device was removed and a permanent device was placed at the thoracic levels T6-T8. Unfortunately post-op he became paralyzed from T-10 down. Plaintiff said they should have not placed the device because he had an area of severe stenosis and should have had decompressive surgery. The defendant had consulted with an orthopedic surgeon and based on his films they determined that he was not a candidate for that type of surgery. Paralysis is a known risk of the procedure as it was explained to the patient prior to the procedure. The jury found in favor of the defense.