Short-term SCS for Refractory Diabetic Foot Neuropathic Pain
88 participantsStarted 2026-08-01
Plain-language summary
This single-center, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolls 88 patients with drug-refractory diabetic foot neuropathic pain unsuitable for revascularization surgery. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive standard diabetic foot care alone (control) or standard care plus 14-day short-term spinal cord stimulation (intervention). The primary outcome is pain remission rate at 6 months, with repeated assessments of microcirculation, nerve function, quality of life and adverse events over 6 months. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of short-term spinal cord stimulation and develops standardized clinical protocols for this minimally invasive therapy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
. Persistent moderate-to-severe neuropathic pain (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS ≥4) after ≥3 months of standardized conservative treatment including glycemic control, neurotrophic drugs, multi-modal analgesia and wound care;
. Contraindications to lower extremity revascularization surgery, persistent pain after revascularization, or voluntary refusal of vascular surgery;
. Clear consciousness, capable of completing scale assessments and multi-timepoint follow-up;
. Voluntary participation with signed written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.