Effect of guanethidine on the natural history of post-traumatic algodystrophy.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of intravenous regional guanethidine on post-traumatic algodystrophy.

METHODS

Ten of 20 consecutive patients with algodystrophy after Colles' fracture were treated with serial intravenous regional guanethidine blockades and the other 10 were treated with physiotherapy alone. Patients were assessed before and after each block and then monthly over a six month period.

RESULTS

The treated patients had subjective and objective improvements in the assessed features of algodystrophy; treatment resulted in a significant reduction in finger tenderness at five and six months.

CONCLUSIONS

Guanethidine blockade induces short term benefits in the symptoms of algodystrophy but improves finger tenderness only in the long term.