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).