Comparison of Epidemiological Data of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Patients in Relation to Disease Severity—A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that often affects a single limb, particularly the distal parts. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it's believed to involve dysfunction in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The study aimed to identify specific factors that might increase the risk of developing CRPS, such as particular symptom patterns and demographic characteristics like age and gender. The researchers believed that by minimizing these factors, the overall risk of CRPS could be reduced. The study found that elderly women around 60 years old who experience a fracture in the hand or wrist after a fall, and who are then immobilized with a cast for about four weeks, are at a higher risk of developing CRPS.

• 1
  The study confirmed a higher occurrence of CRPS in females. The hand and wrist were the most commonly affected areas, followed by the ankle and foot.
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  The most common symptoms observed were temperature differences, limited movement, and swelling in the affected area.
• 3
  Prolonged cast immobilization might enhance the development of CRPS. About 58.5% of the patients studied had a cast for four weeks or longer.