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. 2025 Feb 23:18:11795441251318361.
doi: 10.1177/11795441251318361. eCollection 2025.

Retrospective Analysis of 28 Cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Wu Beizeng  1 , Bai Wen  1 , Li Xiaoxia  2 , Huang Yanhong  3 , Qiao Shubin  4
Affiliations

Retrospective Analysis of 28 Cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Wu Beizeng et al. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. .

Abstract

Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition characterized by persistent pain and local autonomic dysfunction. Its exact cause remains unclear, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Objective: The objective was to investigate the clinical characteristics of CRPS patients and identify risk factors influencing its onset.

Design: Retrospective analysis of medical records from 28 CRPS patients, examining variables such as demographics, comorbidities, triggering events, pain duration and location, previous examinations and treatments, clinical findings, auxiliary tests, initial and follow-up treatment outcomes, symptom relief time, and degree.

Methods: Statistical methods were used to analyze the clinical data of 28 CRPS patients, assessing general characteristics and risk factors associated with the disease.

Results: Females accounted for 57.14% of the cases, with an average patient age of 57.89 years. About 82.14% of patients experienced a triggering event prior to the onset of pain. The median time to diagnosis was 4.5 months, with a maximum duration of up to 7 years. Misdiagnosis occurred in 46.43% of patients. Laboratory tests showed that 77.78% (7 of 9) had abnormal bone metabolism; among those who underwent bone density scans, 66.67% (6 of 9) had osteoporosis, whereas 11.11% (1 of 9) had reduced bone mass. X-rays of 25 patients revealed that 44% (11 of 25) had either reduced bone mass or osteoporosis, with 2 showing more severe osteoporosis on the affected side compared with the healthy side. Rheumatoid arthritis was observed in 7.14% of patients. Post-treatment, significant pain relief was noted in 26 patients.

Conclusion: This study helps clinicians more accurately identify and manage CRPS, reducing misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. In addition, the data suggest that osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis may be potential risk factors for CRPS.

Keywords: Complex regional pain syndrome; classification; misdiagnosis; reflex sympathetic dystrophy; risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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