Originally Posted by Wherewolf

From my SCS rep today:

"Yes, paddle leads tend not to migrate as often as percutaneous leads, however they still can migrate. Paddle leads also require a laminotomy (removing a small piece of bone from the vertabrae) to be placed, this is a more invasive procedure than percutaneous leads and is not fully reversible since you are permanently taking out bone, whereas percutaneous leads are fully reversible.

There are pros and cons to both. Depending on the neuroanatomy of one's back and energy use, sometimes it is better to implant perc leads, other times it's better to implant paddle leads. A doctor's past experience and technique can also play a role. Some doctors see better outcomes with perc leads, some see better outcomes with paddle leads.

In your case, I believe it was more appropriate to implant perc leads because there was nothing in your epidural space to impede the perc leads from reaching the appropriate destination and you were getting great stimulation during your trial. Moreover, it is minimally invasive compared to a laminotomy procedure and your neuroanatomy did not require a paddle lead to be placed. If your future activities cause the leads to move you can either have them moved back or choose to have a paddle lead place at that time."