Phenol neurolysis for management of shoulder spasticity in early recovery from traumatic brain injury – a case report

This case describes a 16-year-old boy who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The patient gradually recovered but developed debilitating spasticity mainly in left triceps muscle, abnormal positioning of shoulder girdle complex, and shoulder pain. Phenol (6%) was injected to axillary and radial nerves under guidance of electrical stimulation and ultrasound imaging at 10 weeks after initial injury. After injection, triceps spasticity and shoulder pain was immediately reduced and abnormal positions of shoulder girdle complex and elbow joint gradually returned to functional limits over 2 weeks.
Source: PM and R - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Source Type: research