Pain relief for upper limb complex regional pain syndrome using nerve blocks

Comparison Between Cervical Epidural and Stellate Ganglion Block in Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Upper Limb A Prospective Comparative Study

Phase 4 Interventional Tanta University · NCT05970146

This study is testing if two types of nerve blocks can help people with chronic pain in their arms after an injury feel better when combined with other treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia)
Trial IDNCT05970146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two interventional pain management techniques, cervical epidural and stellate ganglion block, in patients suffering from chronic refractory pain due to upper limb complex regional pain syndrome following orthopedic trauma. The approach combines these nerve blockade methods with multimodal therapy, including physical and psychological support, to enhance pain relief. Patients will be assessed based on their pain intensity and response to standard therapies before participating in the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 21 with upper limb trauma-related pain that is disproportionate to the injury and persists beyond normal healing time.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable psychological conditions or those who refuse participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide significant pain relief for patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar nerve block techniques in managing complex regional pain syndrome, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged more than 21 years old of both sexes with American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II
2. Upper limb trauma patients with pain disproportionate to the degree of tissue injury and persists beyond the normal expected time for tissue healing
3. Patients diagnosed as (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ) based on Budapest criteria There should be at least one symptom or sign in three of the four previous categories that can not be explained by other diagnosis.
4. The average daily pain intensity required on Numerical Rating Scale is 7 or more for at least 3 months despite of standard therapy which includes: (pharmacologic therapy Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Antiepileptic drugs(AEDs), antidepressants), as well as physical therapy and psychiatric care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal
* Patients with unstable psychological or psychiatric conditions, including: untreated bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, severe personality disorder and psychotic illness
* Patients have recently undergone major interventional pain procedures, such as nerve blocks or implantable therapies.
* Patients with known drug dependency or substance use disorder specifically related to ketamine or other psycho-stimulant drugs
* Patients with previous severe reactions, contraindication or allergy to ketamine
* Patients with hepatic or renal impairment
* Active infection at the injection site
* Known allergies to medications
* Previous neck surgeries
* Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomena
* Coagulopathy

Where this trial is running

Tanta, El-Gharbia

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stellate Ganglion BlockCervical EpiduralComplex Regional Pain Syndromes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.