UNC Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine clinical researchers are making strides in investigative peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) treatment of post-operative knee pain. Over four+-years (8/6/2020 – 4/30/2024), UNC is one of 10 participant sites collaboratively studying an experimental percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) system — SPRINT® PNS System (Industry sponsor: SPR Therapeutics, Inc.) — approved by the FDA for up to 60 days of use in the back and/or extremities for management of chronic and acute pain.  This multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial aims for a better understanding of how post-operative pain in knee arthroplasty clinical trial enrollees changes as a result of SPRINT® PNS System rapid electrical pulse, selective stimulation of targeted peripheral nerve fibers in the study participant’s lower extremities.

UNC study collaborators studying this PNS system began participant enrollment in spring 2021. Enrollment is complete, and investigators have shifted focus to 12-month post-treatment follow-up. Investigative site P.I. and UNC Anesthesiology Director of Clinical Research Stuart Grant, MBChB, FRCA, noted: “Although knee arthroplasty is a very successful operation for most patients, some people have persistent knee pain following surgery. Investigating new ways to help patients with persistent post-operative pain led to the involvement of the UNC Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine divisions in a clinical research study using peripheral nerve stimulation to treat persistent post-operative pain. Results of this study will be presented at the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) Pain Medicine meeting in New Orleans, LA, in November this year. This therapy is a promising new option for patients with persistent post-operative pain.”

To read more on the SPRINT® PNS System and its 2018 FDA approval click here.