Successful Treatment of Intractable Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I of the Knee With Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: A Case Report

ObjectivesTo report on the efficacy of dorsal root ganglion stimulation in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I of the knee. Materials and MethodsA 48-year-old woman with CRPS type I of the right knee, diagnosed according to the Budapest criteria set, received DRG stimulation for intractable CRPS type I of the knee. ResultsAfter a successful trial period with three DRG stimulation leads on spinal levels L2, L3, and L4 (covering 90% of the painful area of her knee), a definitive pulse generator was implanted. Three months after implantation, the entire painful area was covered, and the patient reported a numeric rating scale score of 1-2. ConclusionPlacement of three DRG stimulation leads at levels L2, L3, and L4 in a patient with intractable CRPS type I of the knee resulted in major pain relief. We recommend further investigation of the effect of DRG stimulation on pain due to CRPS of the knee.