Phenol Nerve Block in the Treatment of Acquired Spastic Hemiplegia in the Upper Limb

Abstract

Direct exposure of motor nerves and injection of 3 to 5 per cent phenol into their sheaths in doses of two to five milliliters has been shown to reduce the spasticity in twenty-three patients, but the benefit lasted less than six months. The present study of twenty-four adult patients and of ten children who had the injections and then had either transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris into the extensor carpi radialis brevis or had a vigorous physical therapy program including the use of plaster splints. The phenol injection proved to be a valuable supplement to both regimens and also permitted better evaluation of indications for further therapy.