The implantation of the spinal catheter into the brachial plexus shows a significant analgesic effect among CRPS patients but only until the approach is in process. The data behind this news was taken from the study, recently presented by Handchir Mikrochir plast Chir journal. Andrzej Zyluk and Piotr Puchalski, researchers of the study, conducted this analysis to evaluate effects of bupivacaine to reduce pain among CRPS patients when injected into brachial plexus via spinal catheter approach. The report involved a total of 10 female patients suffered from CRPS from average 3.5 years before therapy. The mean baseline numeric analogue scale (NRS) for pain noticed was 8.3.  The Budapest criteria were used to diagnose CRPS.  The open axillary method was used to introduce the spinal catheter into the brachial plexus.

A total of 4.4 (mean) spinal catheter implants range from 2 - 8 were given to each of the patients. After an immediate introduction of bupivacaine injection, a fast and significant reduction in pain was noticed. The NRS score decreased from 8.3 to 1.6. 

The relief from pain was till the time treatment was in processing (5.3 months). Once the treatment ceased, the pain again returned to the baseline pain score.  No permanent pain relief was seen during the whole analysis. This reflects that continuous brachial plexus analgesia is useful but only in their implementation period.