Complex regional pain syndrome type I in the upper extremity

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) remains a challenging condition for physicians to treat since the earliest descriptions dating back to the Civil War. It has been most commonly reported after traumatic injury or fracture; however, many other causes have been documented. This article focuses on CRPS type 1 as it pertains to the upper extremity. In general, patients who have complex regional pain syndrome suffer from pain, sensory changes, edema, sweating, and temperature disturbance in the afflicted extremity. Chronic changes can involve the skin, nails, and bone. The pathophysiology of this condition remains unclear and is probably multifactorial, involving persistent inflammation, the sympathetic nervous system, the central nervous system and external stimuli. Treatment should be based on a multidisciplinary experienced team approach that is focused on functional restoration. Future research will provide insight into pathophysiology and optimal treatment regimens.