Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared spinal cord stimulation with any conservative therapy for treating adults with chronic severe peripheral vascular disease were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome measures in the review were mortality and limb survival.
Participants in the review were patients with critical limb ischaemia unsuitable for further vascular reconstruction. Controls received optimal medical treatment, which was similar across the studies. The review reported limb survival at 12 months, mortality rate, quality of life and pain scores. Duration of follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months.
The authors stated neither how the papers were selected for the review nor how many reviewers performed the selection.