REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY - TREATMENT WITH LONG-ACTING INTRAMUSCULAR CORTICOSTEROIDS

In an 8-year period, 69 patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, wh o were followed at least 1 year, were treated with active exercises an d injections oi long-acting methylprednisolone. Of these, 22 patients did not respond to this treatment and 47 patients obtained significant improvement. All 47 were relieved of night and rest pain. Proximal in terphalangeal motion improved from an average of 39 degrees to an aver age of 75 degrees. Grip strength was an average of 7 Ib. before treatm ent and 29 Ib. after treatment.