title: Diagnosis and management of complex regional pain syndrome complicating upper extremity recovery.
abstract: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical syndrome of pain, autonomic dysfunction, trophic changes, and functional impairment. CRPS is common after hand trauma or surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention is critical for adequate recovery. The diagnosis of CRPS requires a careful history, physical examination, and supporting diagnostic testing. Optimal treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. A large spectrum of pharmacologic interventions is efficacious in treating CRPS. Surgery may be used to relieve nociceptive foci. Patient-specific hand therapy is very important in reducing swelling, decreasing pain, and improving range of motion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1070, USA.
authors.forename: Zhongyu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Beth Paterson
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: L Andrew
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Koman
mesh_terms: D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010808:Physical Examination; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*