Pain clinic #15. Treatment of sciatic nerve causalgia following pelvic fracture.

Direct injury to the sciatic nerve may occur in patients who sustain acetabular/pelvic fractures. Sciatic nerve causalgia has been noted in patients who suffer posterior wall acetabular fracture with or without ipsilateral hip dislocation. Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction is considered the primary cause for this syndrome, although some investigators suggest central nervous system involvement. This report documents the treatment results of three patients suffering from sciatic nerve causalgia who were referred to the Pain Treatment Center during the past year. In each case, diagnosis was confirmed by sympathetic blockade. Treatment regimens varied and included nerve blocks, cryoanalgesia techniques, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy. The syndrome was relieved in these patients within four to six weeks. Patients were followed for six months after initial treatment.