Vitamin C in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients with Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of vitamin C in preventing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in patients with fracture of the distal end of the radius (FDER). Methods The present study included FDER patients with an indication for surgical treatment and aged over 18 years. We evaluated the age group, gender, dominant side, presence of comorbidities, affected side, trauma mechanism, and the surgical technique. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: placebo (n = 64), which received microcrystalline cellulose, and intervention (n = 58), treated with 1 g/day of vitamin C in a single dose for 60 days, starting immediately after surgery. Results The average incidence of neuropathic pain was 17% higher in the placebo group than in the vitamin C one during the evaluation period (p = 0.008). The average visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was 1.22 points higher in the placebo group regardless of evaluation moment (p = 0.001). The CRPS at 12 and 24 weeks were statistically more frequent in the placebo group (p = 0.014 and 0.007, respectively). Conclusion Vitamin C has an effect on preventing neuropathic pain and CRPS, as well as on controlling postoperative pain control.