Orthopedic Trauma in a Patient With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological disorder involving a region characterized by disabling pain, swelling, vasomotor instability, sudomotor abnormality, and impairment of motor function. It mostly occurs acutely in patients who have limb fractures or limb surgery. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms include neurogenic inflammation, peripheral and central sensitization, brain plasticity, sympatho-afferent coupling, genetic or psychological factors. The syndrome is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Effective management of the chronic form of the syndrome is often challenging. It mainly involves multidisciplinary clinical care, which centers around controlling pain and intensive rehabilitation therapies. Elective surgery should be performed when features of previous episodes of CRPS have improved and when the patient is stable; surgery should be avoided during exacerbations.