• L K Wang, H P Chen, P J Chang, F C Kang, and Y C Tsai.
• Pain Management Section, Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
• Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2001 Jan 1;26(1):68-71.

Background And ObjectivesBrachial plexus block (BPB) has been cited as a treatment modality for complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) of the upper limb. However, there are no reports using axillary BPB with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for the treatment of CRPS I. This report is based on the retrospective observations of the outcome and effects of axillary BPB with PCA in a patient with CRPS I.Case ReportA 32-year-old man suffered from CRPS I of the right upper limb after surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand. Symptoms and signs over the right hand were alleviated under rehabilitation and conventional pharmacological management, but severe painful swelling of the right wrist persisted. Axillary BPB with PCA was performed on the 32nd postoperative day, which soon resulted in significant reduction of pain with gradual improvement of function of the right wrist.ConclusionsAxillary BPB with PCA may provide patients with CRPS I of the upper limb a feasible and effective treatment. .

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