Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) is a novel form of neuromodulation used to treat chronic neuropathic pain of the groin and lower extremities related to complex regional pain syndrome type I or II (causalgia). DRG-S has shown promise in treating traditionally mixed neuropathic and mechanical pain syndromes such as axial low back pain, suggesting DRG-S may be able to treat mechanical pain in addition to neuropathic pain. Additionally, in a rodent model of osteoarthritis of the knee, DRG-S alleviated pain related behavior in rats.~This open label feasibility study seeks to evaluate if dorsal root ganglion stimulation with Abbott's Proclaim Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurostimulator System can effectively treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients with either osteoarthritis of the non-operated knee or osteoarthritis of the surgically repaired knee will be trialed for one week with dorsal root ganglion stimulation to determine if they positively respond with 50% or greater pain relief. For those patients that have a successful trial, they will be implanted with a permanent stimulation device system and followed for one year post implant to measure knee pain, function and disability, and other related outcomes with sustained DRG-S therapy.~Patients will be seen and evaluated prior to DRG-S trial, and for those that receive permanent implants, re-evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after implant.
Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) may be able to treat mechanical pain caused by tissue injury or damage such as trauma or arthritis in addition to pain caused by nerve dysfunction or injury. The purpose of this study is to determine if dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) can effectively treat arthritic pain of the knee.