Retrograde Implantation of Paddle Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation at C1-C2: Technique and Outcome Analysis

Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. In addition to most common placement of electrodes at thoracic level for low back and leg pain, electrodes can be placed on cervical level in patients with chronic neck and upper limb pain. Classically, leads are placed in orthodromal direction and requires partial laminectomy. At cranio-vertebral junction, inserting leads in retrograde fashion can be an excellent option. this avoids laminotomy/ laminectomy and needs minimal exposure.