An evaluation of stellate ganglion block in the treatment of post-traumatic dystrophic disturbances in the upper extremity

Abstract

Post-traumatic sympathetic dystrophies occur frequently following trauma to the hand. The precipitating trauma may be severe or insignificant. These dystrophic disturbances constitute one of the greatest causes of disability in the injured industrial worker. Immediate relief of the pain and discomfort is obtained by blocking the appropriate sympathetic nerves, and it has been observed that serial repetition of such blocks may lead to a cure or to a reduction of disability. We have reviewed the records of 172 patients suffering from disability of this kind who were treated by serial stellate ganglion blocks associated with a programme of physiotherapy. Of these, the long-term results could be assessed in 165, of whom 37 were cured, 105 improved, and only 23 were unchanged. There appeared to be no relationship between the result obtained and the duration of the disability prior to institution of treatment. Since these patients had been receiving physiotherapy and other forms of treatment for periods varying from weeks to over one year before they were referred for block therapy, it must be concluded that sympathetic block has played an important role in the restoration of function in the cases reported. © 1965 Canadian Anesthesiologists.