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Complex regional pain syndrome--diagnostic, mechanisms, CNS involvement and therapy.

Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS, formerly reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia) are neuropathic pain conditions of one extremity developing inadequately after a trauma. The initiating trauma affects primarily the extremity, but can also be a central lesion (e.g., spinal cord injury, stroke). CRPS is clinically characterized by sensory, autonomic and motor disturbances. Pathophysiologically there is evidence for functional changes within the central nervous system and for involvement of peripheral inflammatory processes. The sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in maintaining pain and autonomic dysfunction in the affected extremity. After a primary central lesion, secondary peripheral changes in the paretic extremity are suggested to be important in initiating a CRPS. Though there is no diagnostic gold standard, careful clinical evaluation and additional test procedures should lead to an adequate diagnosis. An early diagnosis and an interdisciplinary approach are important for optimal and successful treatment.

Central Nervous System↗

The role of gabapentin in treating diseases with cutaneous manifestations and pain.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin was first approved by the FDA in 1993 as an add-on treatment for partial epileptic seizures. In May of 2002, it was approved as treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia by the Food and Drug Administration. It appears to be a promising agent in the treatment of pain, alterations of sensation and pruritus associated with dermatological disease, but no review of these uses exists. METHODS: Medline and Google searches were performed for the words "Gabapentin" and "Neurontin." The articles found were reviewed. Article identified that contained references to the treatment of skin disease and neuropathic pain were examined and their contents surveyed. RESULTS: Approximately 1200 articles were located in Medline that referred to Garbapentin or Neurontin. Over 150 articles reviewed its use for neuropathic pain, neuritis or neuralgia of various sorts. Approximately 20 articles reviewed its use for a variety of dermatological conditions or diseases with dermatological manifestations that included: pain control associated with wound dressing changes, erythromelagia, piloleiomyoma related pain, brachioradial pruritus, Glossodynia, vulvodynia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Over 100 articles that related to Gabapentin side effects were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin is a very promising medication in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia and pain. Because dermatological patients suffer pain from painful tumors, after surgery, in conjunction with neuropathic ulcers, during dressing changes involving serious medical conditions, its applications seem manifold. Future studies must assess its role in the treatment of pruritus and other dermatological conditions involving pain or alteration of sensation.

Acetates↗

Cluster headache after orbital exenteration.

A 37-year-old man developed an ipsilateral headache which fulfilled the criteria for cluster headache after orbital extenteration because of a traumatic lesion of the bulb. The headache could be treated successfully by drugs usually applied in the therapy of cluster headache. Six similar cases of cluster headache after orbital exenteration could be identified in the literature suggesting that the eye itself is not necessarily part of the pathogenesis of cluster headache. We hypothesize that orbital exenteration can cause cluster headache by lesions of sympathetic structures. Possibly, these mechanisms are similar to those of sympathetic reflex dystrophy (Sudeck-Leriche syndrome) causing pain of the limbs.

Adult↗

Endoscopic quadricepsplasty: A new surgical technique.

We present a new surgical subperiosteal endoscopic technique for the release of fibrosis of the quadriceps to the femur caused by gunshot injuries, postsurgical scarring, and fractures, that was developed at the Arthroscopy Group at Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras in Havana, Cuba. The technique used is a proximal endoscopic subperiosteal extension of the usual arthroscopic intra-articular release of adhesions, using periosteal elevators and arthroscopic scissors placed through medial and lateral superior knee portals to release adhesions and bands of scar tissue beneath the quadriceps mechanism. The technique was used in a prospective case series of 26 male patients aged 19 to 22 years between February 1997 and March 1998 who presented with clinically and ultrasonically documented extra-articular fibrosis resulting in ankylosis of the knee in extension. Only patients who had reached a plateau in their aggressive physiotherapy program with no further progression in knee flexion for 3 months were selected. Those with joint instability, motion-limiting articular surface pathology, and muscle or neurologic injury were excluded. All patients had obtained satisfactory results at 2-year follow-up. The extra-articular release gained at final follow-up was between 30 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion in addition to that obtained at the completion of the standard intra-articular release. Complications included 1 case of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of scrotal edema, 5 cases of hemarthrosis, and 2 cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. We have found this technique useful in obtaining additional flexion and improved function in a difficult class of patients with ankylosis caused by extra-articular fibrosis of the quadriceps to the femur, allowing immediate aggressive rehabilitation and presenting a useful outpatient alternative with fewer and less severe complications than described with the classic open Thompson's quadricepsplasty.

Adult↗

Reossification and fusion across the acromioclavicular joint after arthroscopic acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection.

Arthroscopic acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection has now become an accepted method of treatment for acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis. Complications following arthroscopic acromioplasty are relatively uncommon and include instrument breakage, hematoma, traction neuropathy, infection, acromial fracture, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and recurrence of symptoms. Although heterotopic ossification within the soft tissues has also been reported, complete reossification of the resected clavicle has not. We report a case of reossification of the clavicle and fusion across the AC joint following arthroscopic acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in the ambulatory surgical care setting.

UNLABELLED: This article provides an historical synopsis from the 17th century to the present regarding the disease process known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type I. An overview of the disease symptoms, plausible theories, and a review of the pain cycle, relief measures, and a case scenario are reported. The focus of pain blockade was chosen because this was the intervention used in this particular case. The author presents the holistic standpoint of the importance of incorporating complementary alternative medical practices (CAMP) to enhance a positive outcome for this client. OBJECTIVES: -Based on the content of this article, the reader should be able to (1) distinguish the main characteristic between CRPS Type I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and CRPS Type II (causalgia); (2) identify symptoms related to CRPS Type I; and (3) identify the stages of CRPS and state potential interventions used in the treatment of CRPS Type I.

Complex Regional Pain Syndromes↗

Complex regional pain syndrome: becoming more or less complex?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is the newest name for the confusing conditions of reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia. The epidemiology and the signs and symptoms of these conditions are discussed. Although much is only poorly understood about the aetiology of CRPS, the roles of neuropathic pain, prolonged inflammation and psychological factors are becoming clearer. Physical therapies remain the lynchpin of management but the roles of anti-inflammatory medication, sympathectomies and a team approach are emphasized.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Chronic pain syndrome of the penis following cerebrovascular insult].

Complex regional pain syndromes (formerly sympathetically maintained pain syndromes or reflex sympathetic dystrophy) encompass symptoms of pain, dysfunction and sympathetic disorder. They occur spontaneously or after peripheral or internal lesions (e.g. stroke or myocardial infarction) and predominantly affect the limbs, rarely the face or the trunk. This case report describes a 64-year old man who after a stroke suffered from heavy burning pain in the penis and perineum, which did not ameliorate after established conservative therapy. Sympathetic blockade, however, provided pain relief. The diagnosis of a complex regional pain syndrome, type I, was proposed according to the clinical symptoms in this patient, e.g. causalgia-like burning pain, allodynia, and the temporal association of an internal lesion to the onset of the pain. Other diagnoses such as neuropathic pain of unknown or diabetic etiology or a central post-stroke pain were considered.

Autonomic Nerve Block↗

Selective video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Video-assisted and thermometrically controlled thoracoscopic sympathectomy demonstrates new ways in the treatment of upper-limb hyperhidrosis. An anatomical portrayal of the sympathetic chain is possible as a result of the improved visualization and magnification of the operative area provided by the video-optic technique. The difference in temperature, registered by means of a thermometric sensor in the palm of the hand, indicates that the sympathetic nerves responsible for the hyperhidrotic segments have been severed. The number of postoperative Horner's syndromes will be reduced significantly with this method. Until now, we have successfully treated six thermometrically controlled patients. No recurrences have arisen during an 18 months observation period. Neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications were recorded. One patient complained of increased compensatory sweating of the trunk. Thermometrically controlled thoracoscopic sympathectomy is expected to improve the various forms of treatment available for sympathetic reflex dystrophies in the future.

Body Temperature↗

Physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral treatment for complex regional pain syndromes.

Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS; type 1, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and type 2, causalgia) involve persistent pain, allodynia, and vasomotor signs. We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial of physical therapy (PT) and cognitive-behavioral treatment for children and adolescents with CRPS. Children 8 to 17 years of age (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either group A (PT once per week for 6 weeks) or group B (PT 3 times per week for 6 weeks). Both groups received 6 sessions of cognitive-behavioral treatment. Assessments of pain and function were repeated at two follow-up time periods. Outcomes were compared at the three time points through the use of parametric or nonparametric analysis of variance and post hoc tests. All five measures of pain and function improved significantly in both groups after treatment, with sustained benefit evident in the majority of patients at long-term follow-up. Recurrent episodes were reported in 50% of patients, and 10 patients eventually received sympathetic blockade. Most children with CRPS showed reduced pain and improved function with a noninvasive rehabilitative treatment approach. Long-term functional outcomes were also very good.

Adolescent↗

Nerve blocks and chronic pain states--an update. 2. Clinical indications.

With the unfortunate exception of the differential spinal block, diagnostic nerve blocking has become somewhat obsolete with the development of newer, more sophisticated diagnostic technology. Therapeutic nerve blocks remain useful in treating patients with various terminal cancers, some forms of back pain, tic douloreux, causalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and many trigger point syndromes. For dysfunctional and pain-disabled patients (rated as class 1 or 3 on Emory Pain Estimate Model), block therapy must be structured in comprehensive pain rehabilitation programs.

Adult↗

Future trends in spinal cord stimulation.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been available for about 30 years, but only in the past five years has it met with widespread acceptance and recognition by the medical community. Traditionally performed by neurosurgeons, SCS is being increasingly utilized by anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists. Pain management continues to be the most widespread application of SCS. More sophisticated technology has allowed the implanters to successfully address more complex pain syndromes such as widespread reflex sympathetic dystrophy and the failed back syndrome. Other applications are being developed, combining the ability to stimulate the spinal cord, the nerve roots and the peripheral nerves. Examples include angina pectoris, urinary incontinence and occipital neuralgia. Computer-interactive programming is gaining popularity, especially due to the extreme complexity of the implanted stimulation devices. The ability to stimulate independently multiple channels as well as multiple arrays of electrodes is today a reality. This has increased greatly the efficacy, safety and reliability of the modality. In the future, SCS will undoubtedly move several steps up in the treatment ladder of chronic pain conditions, while new applications will be discovered. The future of neural implantable technologies is bright, with an increasingly important role in the medical management of chronic conditions affecting the nervous system.

Angina Pectoris↗

Unstable distal radial fractures treated by external fixation: an analytical review.

A "Hoffman type 2" external fixator was applied in 33 patients being treated for distal radial fractures that were classified according to the three basic types of the AO/ASIF system. Thirty fractures were suitable for statistical evaluation. Fixators were used alone (n = 10) or in combination with internal fixation of the intra-articular component. Fixators were removed sooner when they were combined with internal devices and these patients had significantly less pain. There was no relation between pain, classification, primary displacement, function, position on the radiograph, and Green and O'Brien score. Primary displacement was more important in patients over 50 years of age. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy was associated with fractures of the ulnar head. Ulnar styloid fractures were not related to increased laxity or symptoms at the distal radioulnar joint. There were no signs of intracarpal "instability" in patients less than 50 years of age and the condition caused no specific symptoms. Maintenance of stability was better when grafts were used, but not significantly so. Green and O'Brien scoring was no more informative than a simple ordinal pain ranking system.

Adult↗

Bilateral symptomatic supernumerary muscle belly syndrome.

A 32-year-old woman with a longstanding history of bilateral forearm pain had been unable to open her fingers and use her left arm (treated as reflex sympathetic dystrophy) since the age of 14. On physical examination there was fullness and tenderness of the distal volar forearms bilaterally; the quadriga test (when the patient was asked to make a tight fist quickly, with one finger fully extended passively) elicited burning pain. Operation confirmed that she had anomalous reversed forearm muscles bilaterally, and these were successfully resected.

Adult↗

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: practice in evolution.

This study reports on 565 consecutive endoscopic carpal tunnel releases using the Agee one-portal technique of which 25 (4.4%) were converted to the open technique. The follow-up period was from 4 to 52 months. Immediate symptomatic relief was reported in 562 wrists (99.5%). There were 25 complications (4.4%) including pillar pain (8 wrists), digital neuropraxia (n = 6), median nerve contusion (n = 3), incomplete division of the flexor retinaculum (n = 3), superficial infection (n = 3), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (n = 1), and tenderness of the scar (n = 1). We describe the evolution of our selection of patients and surgical technique. We recommend caution in performing ECTR in short patients who are liable to have small wrists because of the risk of contusion of the median nerve. We present some technical modifications that may make the technique safer.

Adolescent↗

Complex regional pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: This paper provides a review of the current concepts of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and current diagnostic criteria are presented. Etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of painful disorders, previously addressed as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) remain doubtful. ISSUES: The supposition of a sympathetic hyperactivity in the development of this syndrome could not be confirmed. Up to now no diagnostic test that would be specific for the diagnosis of CRPS is available. The diagnosis relies on clinical findings and the exclusion of conditions that could account for the degree of pain and dysfunction. Pain relief and functional restoration are the primary goals of all therapeutic intervention and should start as early as possible.

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases↗

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy: the U.S. experience.

OBJECTIVE: 48 patients underwent TSSYM. Charts of patients undergoing thoracoscopy were reviewed to assess the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TSSYM). DESIGN: A retrospective review was undertaken at four United States medical centers. RESULTS: TSSYM was performed for reflex sympathetic dystrophy in 27 patients, hyperhydrosis palmaris in 15 patients, and Raynaud's upper extremity ischemia and splanchnic pain in 2 patients each. Anesthesia with one lung ventilation was used. 2.9 ports were used per patient and 0.8 chest tubes were placed per patient. All patients underwent resection of the sympathetic chain, usually with a clip along the bottom of the resected chain. Laser, electro-ablation and electroresection were not used by any of the surgeons in his series. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: TSSYM is a safe and effective technique for treatment of a variety of thoracic disorders.

Endoscopy↗

Shoulder pain in hemiplegia revisited: contribution of functional electrical stimulation and other therapies.

OBJECTIVES: Post-stroke shoulder pain is probably the most frequent complication in hemiplegia and has repercussions on motor rehabilitation and the psychological equilibrium of the patient. The strategies for prevention and treatment are presented. AETIOLOGY: Among the various factors contributing to the occurrence of shoulder pain in hemiplegia, some are related to the joint, such as lesion of the rotator cuff tendons, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, inferior-anterior subluxation of the head of the humerus, whereas others are related to the neurologic lesion such as central post-stroke pain, lack of sensibility, unilateral neglect and spasticity. PREVENTION: Efforts should be made from the start to keep the shoulder in an ideal position at all times and movement of the shoulder and upper limb should be carried out with care. TREATMENT: Will be aimed to the cause of pain and passive or active range of motion exercises will be encouraged. Physical, medical and surgical treatments have improved over the last few decades. Functional electrical stimulation in patients with shoulder pain and subluxation, applied early after onset of the stroke, has shown beneficial positive effects on subluxation, pain and mobility. Efforts should therefore be made to better understand the post-stroke shoulder pain in order to provide better outcomes of rehabilitation and thus improve quality of life for patients.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗