CRPS of the upper or lower extremity: surgical treatment outcomes
2009

Surgical Treatment Outcomes for CRPS

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dellon A Lee, Andonian Eugenia, Rosson Gedge D

Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Hypothesis

CRPS I persists due to undiagnosed injured joint afferents, cutaneous neuromas, or nerve compressions.

Conclusion

Most patients with CRPS I have continuing pain from injured joint or cutaneous afferents and can be treated successfully with peripheral nerve surgery.

Supporting Evidence

  • 40% of upper extremity patients had excellent outcomes after surgery.
  • 47% of lower extremity patients had excellent outcomes after surgery.
  • 80% of patients with CRPS I may actually have CRPS II.

Takeaway

Doctors found that many people with a certain type of pain called CRPS might actually have another type of pain that can be helped with surgery.

Methodology

Retrospective chart review of 100 patients diagnosed with RSD, focusing on those selected for surgery based on specific criteria.

Limitations

The study did not use a validated outcome instrument to measure patient disability before and after surgery.

Participant Demographics

{"upper_extremity":{"mean_age":49.5,"age_range":"21-82","mean_interval_post_injury":45.4,"interval_range":"6-192","mean_follow_up":27.9,"follow_up_range":"9-81"},"lower_extremity":{"mean_age":35.3,"age_range":"24-73","mean_interval_post_injury":56.5,"interval_range":"4-249","mean_follow_up":23.0,"follow_up_range":"9-69"}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1749-7221-4-1

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