Treatment of upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy with joint stiffness using sympatholytic Bier blocks and manipulation

Twenty patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy involving the upper extremity with associated joint stiffness were treated by manipulation under Bier blocks composed of lidocaine, methylprednisolone, and reserpine or guanethidine. Depending on the patients' response, repeat blocks were performed at 48- to 72-hour intervals. Range of motion in the affected joints (primarily the hand and wrist) improved from a pre-block mean of 46% to 81% of normal following the blocks. Patients also reported an 80% mean improvement in their pain. The treatment of advanced reflex sympathetic dystrophy using joint manipulation under sympatholytic Bier blocks appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment.