CONTINUOUS SENSORY ANALGESIA HELPS THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND THE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS/RSD)
Abstract
Background. CRPS/RSD still offers more questions
then answers. The initial events and pathophysiology are unknown,
the treatment is unsuccessful and the results are poor.
The authors have transmitted their experiences with continuous
sensory analgesia of brachial plexus in the treatment of
heavy injured hands to the treatment of CRPS. Efficient analgesia,
control of vegetative nerve system and painless exercises
are of outmost importance in the treatment of CRPS.
Patients and methods. From 1996 to 1998 we have used continuous
sensory analgesia in the treatment of 8 patients with
CRPS of the upper extremity. All of them were treated few
months after injury.
Results. Two to four years after treatment six of eight have
been ranged as good result (only temporary pain judged on
subjective pain scale as 2; ROM of wrist higher than 50%
of normal, lack of 30° of ROM of fingers; hand and key grip
greater than 50% of normal hand).
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