A meta-analysis on the impact of spinal cord stimulation on post-operative wound healing in patients with multiple sclerosis

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool for various chronic conditions, but its efficacy in post-operative wound healing for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not been comprehensively understood. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of SCS on post-operative wound healing and scar formation in MS patients. A systematic literature review identified seven studies for inclusion. We focused on wound healing as measured by the redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation (REEDA) scale 1 week post-operation and scar formation assessed by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 3 months post-operation. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in wound healing in the SCS group, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -5.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [-7.56, -4.09], p < 0.01) on the REEDA scale. For scar formation, the SCS group showed a notable reduction in MSS scores, with an SMD of -10.06 (95% CI: [-14.53, -5.58], p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of SCS as an adjunct therapy in enhancing surgical recovery in MS patients, pointing towards its broader applications in post-operative care.