Abstract: Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the treatment of pain after lumbar fusion operation. Methods Patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery from January 2016 to December 2016 were retrospective analysed in Department of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital. They were divided into experimental group and control group according to the postoperative analgesic strategies, the experimental group was treated with tDCS combined with opioid after surgery to control postoperative pain and the control group only received opioids. The data of preoperative and postoperative pain visual analogue score (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), opioid analgesics usage and complications were recorded. Results 42 patients were included and 22 in experimental group (the mean age 56.7±10.5) and 20 in control group (the mean age 60.3±9.2). All the patients completed the study successfully. There were no significant differences in terms of preoperative VAS and ODI score between two groups. The postoperative 24h VAS (2.0 ± 1.7) and VAS (2.1±0.9) at discharge in experimental group were significantly lower than those in control group (3.3±1.4, 2.9±1.3), the difference was statistically significant. The functional recovery was more quickly in experimental group than that in control group (ODI score 20.9±6.5 in experimental group and 25.4±5.3 in control group, P = 0.02). Compared with control group, the experimental group can reduce about 25% of opioid usage. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (experimental group: 2/22, control group: 3/18, P > 0.05). The discomfort sensations reported in tDCS includeding itching under the electrodes, pain, warmth and stinging. No other adverse reactions and serious complications were observed. Conclusion The use of transcranial direct current stimulation after lumbar fusion can decrease the pain sensation, reduce the usage of opioids drugs, promote the rehabilitation of patients and wound not increase the incidence of complication. has the potential probability to replace opioids for chronic pain. Using transcranial direct current stimulation can reduce pain in patients after lumbar fusion, reduce the use of narcotic drugs, promote the rehabilitation of patients, was not increased, has the potential to replace opioids for chronic pain.

Key words: spinal fusion, lumbar vertebrae, analgesia, analgesics, opioid, transcranial direct current stimulation, degenerative spinal disease