Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation for pain relief in reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Abstract

35 patients with the diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a late stage have been treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). 6 out of the 35 were also submitted to spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The follow-up was from 10 to 36 months. The results obtained were TENS group: 25% excellent, 45% good, 10% fair, 20% poor; in the SCS group: 16.6% excellent; 66.6% good and 16.6% fair. In the long run these results are better than those obtained with sympathetic blocks and sympathectomy. TENS and SCS have no effect on osteoporosis or ankylosis.