Dor e fixadores externos: avaliação e tratamento

Abstract

Pain is the most important cause of the delay in the gain of functional state in patients using externai fixators. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical findings and the results of pain treatment in 20 patients, presenting pain with neuropathic characteristics during the use ofIlizarov's externai fixators in the lower limbs. Ali patients with deaferentiation symptoms were treated with central acting analgesics, antiinflamatory drugs and physical medicine modalities including ice packs, deep heat with ultrasound and neurostimulation of the peripheral neryous system. One patient recieved sympathetic block. Results demonstrated symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in 80,9% of patients which permitted the continuation of the use of the externai fixator, and an agressive rehabilitation approach aiming to increase of function during the orthopaedic treatment.