Neuromodulation in patients deployed to war zones.

Abstract

Four active duty military personnel and two retired soldiers/military contractors were treated with spinal or peripheral nerve stimulators. All six personnel were able to deploy after the stimulators were placed. Five patients had no incidents during their deployments. One patient completed four deployments but had mechanical complications that necessitated eventual revisions. Considering the risks and limitations of reoperation, nerve blocks, and pharmacotherapy in a forward-deployed area, spinal cord stimulation provides an appealing alternative in soldiers who desire to remain deployable on active duty.