Problems With O’Connell et al, “Implanted Spinal Neuromodulation Interventions for Chronic Pain in Adults” (Cochrane Review)

The article by O’Connell et al, published in December 2021 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of implanted spinal neuromodulation therapies for the treatment of chronic pain. 1 O’Connell N.E. Ferraro M.C. Gibson W. et al. Implanted spinal neuromodulation interventions for chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021; 12CD013756 PubMed Google Scholar The review is focused on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS). We agree that given the relative costs of SCS and DRGS and their invasive nature, there is a need for rigorous review of their efficacy and safety, and we applaud the authors for the rigorous work they have performed.