This article reviews the available literature related to the surgical technique for implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware for the treatment of dystonia. Topics covered include stereotactic targeting, selection of specific hardware components, site of placement of the cable connectors and pulse generators, and postoperative documentation of electrode location. Techniques in stereotactic neurosurgery are rapidly evolving, and there is no Class I evidence to unequivocally validate any specific technique described. Nevertheless, the guidelines provided may assist surgical teams in tailoring a rational approach to DBS implantation in dystonia.
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