Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Treating Acute Pain Following Traumatic Fracture: A Case Report of Rapid-Onset Analgesia Without Motor Blockade

Abstract

Analgesia following acute traumatic fracture remains a clinical challenge. Pain relief via peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a promising treatment modality due to its opioid-sparing effects and rapid, reversible sensory blockade without motor blockade. We present the case of a patient who suffered a traumatic tibial plateau fracture. A popliteal sciatic PNS device was placed on postoperative day 1 following inadequate pain control. The patient reported marked pain relief, a significant reduction in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) utilization, and improved early functional recovery. The PNS lead was removed at the patient’s 2-month follow-up visit without any adverse events.