Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Sacral Lateral Branches for Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Technical Report

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of peripheral nerve stimulation targeting the sacral lateral branches as a treatment for sacroiliac joint mediated low back pain refractory to conventional therapies. METHODS: A 67-year-old female with chronic sacroiliac joint (SIJ)-mediated low back pain, refractory to conservative management and sacral lateral branch radiofrequency ablation, subsequently underwent a trial and implantation of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) targeting the sacral lateral branches. RESULTS: The PNS trial achieved 60% pain reduction without adverse events. After permanent implantation, 12-month follow-up showed 70% sustained pain relief and ODI improvement from 68% to 28%. CONCLUSION: PNS of the sacral lateral branches, performed using a novel technique, appears to be a safe and effective treatment for SIJ-mediated low back pain refractory to standard therapies. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings.