Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Factitious Disorders-2016 Surgical Approach to CRPS: Upper Extremity

2016 Surgical Approach to CRPS: Upper Extremity – Catherine Curtin MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses the role of surgery in treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Contrary to previous beliefs, operating on pain can actually relieve it, especially when the cause is a nerve injury. Diagnostic blocks and MRIs can help identify the affected nerves. Preoperative medications like gabapentin and intraoperative ketamine infusion can alleviate postoperative pain. Surgical treatment involves releasing the entrapped nerves that contribute to the pain, without immobilizing the patient. A multimodal pain approach is used postoperatively, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and antineuropathic medications. Therapy for edema control and gentle joint mobilization is initiated after two weeks. The speaker presents case examples showing successful outcomes.

Keywords

surgery

complex regional pain syndrome

nerve injury

diagnostic blocks

multimodal pain approach