The Journal of hand surgery, European volume
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J Hand Surg Eur Vol · Nov 2011
Complex regional pain syndrome type I as a consequence of trauma or surgery to upper extremity: management with intravenous regional anaesthesia, using lidocaine and methyloprednisolone.
Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is a known complication after surgery or trauma to the upper extremity and is difficult to treat. A simple and easily tolerated method of treatment that includes intravenous regional anaesthetic block with lidocaine and methyloprednisolone is presented. One hundred and sixty-eight patients with CRPS-I of the upper extremity were treated in a 5-year period. ⋯ The symptoms of the acute phase of the syndrome were reversed. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment is very important for the course of the disease as symptoms can be reversible when treatment starts early. Permanent results with a functional upper extremity and very satisfactory pain relief can be anticipated.