Complex regional pain syndrome: diagnosis and management.

Complex regional pain syndrome is a rare and not well understood chronic pain condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and sex. It is important that nurses and the wider healthcare team are aware of the symptoms and recommended management of this condition, with timely diagnosis and appropriate rehabilitation being particularly important. This article provides an overview of complex regional pain syndrome and explains what is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Understanding the complexity of the condition and the relevant management guidelines will enable nurses to provide effective care and support for patients.

Modifications in fMRI Representation of Mental Rotation Following a 6 Week Graded Motor Imagery Training in Chronic CRPS Patients.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain condition that is difficult to treat. For behavioral interventions, graded motor imagery (GMI) showed relevant effects, but underlying neural substrates in patient groups have not been investigated yet. A previous study investigating differences in the representation of a left/right hand judgment task demonstrated less recruitment of subcortical structures, such as the putamen, in CRPS patients than in healthy controls. In healthy volunteers, the putamen activity increased after a hand judgment task training. In order to test for longitudinal effects of GMI training, we investigated 20 CRPS patients in a wait-list crossover design with 3 evaluation time points. Patients underwent a 6 week GMI treatment and a 6 week waiting period in a randomized group assignment and treatment groups were evaluated by a blinded rater. When compared to healthy matched controls at baseline, CRPS patients showed less functional activation in areas processing visual input, left sensorimotor cortex, and right putamen. Only GMI treatment, but not the waiting period showed an effect on movement pain and hand judgment task performance. Regression analyses revealed positive associations of movement pain with left anterior insula activation at baseline. Right intraparietal sulcus activation change during GMI was associated with a gain in performance of the hand judgment task. The design used here is reliable for investigating the functional representation of the hand judgment task in an intervention study. PERSPECTIVE: Twenty chronic CRPS patients underwent a 6 week GMI intervention in a randomized wait-list crossover design. functional MRI was tested pre and post for the hand lateralization task which improved over GMI but not over WAITING. Performance gain was positively related to right parietal functional MRI activation.

ICF-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for complex regional pain syndrome of the hand: efficacy, long-term outcomes, and impact of therapy duration.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare but feared complication in hand surgery. Although multimodal therapy concepts are recommended, there is only low evidence on efficacy of such approaches. Furthermore, recommendations regarding therapy duration are lacking. Aim of this study was to validate the efficacy of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation concept for treatment of CRPS of the hand and to find correlations between therapy duration and outcome measures. METHODS: Patients with CRPS of the hand after occupational trauma that underwent an ICF-based rehabilitation program between 2010 and 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Besides demographic data, outcomes included pain (VAS), range of motion assessed by fingertip-to-palm-distance (PTPD) and fingernail-to-table-distance (FTTD) as well as strength in grip, 3-point pinch and lateral pinch. All measures were gathered at admission to and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation therapy as well as at follow-up. Statistical analysis included paired t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients with a mean age of 45 years were included in this study. Duration of rehabilitation therapy was 53 days on average. All outcomes improved significantly during rehabilitation therapy. Pain decreased from 6.4 to 2.2. PTPD of digit 2 to 5 improved from 2.5, 2.8, 2.6, and 2.3 cm to 1.3, 1.4, 1.2, and 1.1 cm, respectively. FTTD of digit 2 to 5 decreased from 1.5, 1.7, 1.5, and 1.6 cm to 0.6, 0.8, 0.7, and 0.7 cm, respectively. Strength ameliorated from 9.5, 3.7, 2.7 kg to 17.9, 5.6, 5.0 kg in grip, lateral pinch, and 3-point pinch, respectively. Improvement in range of motion significantly correlated with therapy duration. 54% of patients participated at follow-up after a mean of 7.5 months. Outcome measures at follow-up remained stable compared to discharge values without significant differences. CONCLUSION: The ICF-based rehabilitation concept is a reliable and durable treatment option for CRPS of the hand. Range of motion improved continuously with therapy duration and thus may serve as an indicator for optimum length of therapy.

Results of a special interdisciplinary hand therapy program for work-related injuries.

The importance of postoperative care of hand injuries is undisputed, but sometimes more intensive therapy is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a specialized hand rehabilitation program supervised by hand surgeons. The outcomes and short-term follow-up of 76 patients with upper extremity injuries were analyzed through patient self-reported parameters as well as objective functional scores. Improvement in all self-assessed parameters during rehabilitation was statistically significant for the DASH (p<0.001) as well as the EQ-5D (p<0.05). Further improvement in the short-term (14 weeks) was only seen for the DASH score (p<0.05). During rehabilitation, there was a statistically significant improvement in all objective measurements. Among patients with finger injuries, 71% were able to return to work. Our specialized hand rehabilitation program provides benefits for all patients. There are differences between types of upper extremity injuries in terms of the effects and necessary treatments.

Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) for the treatment of type I complex regional pain syndrome: A pilot study.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) magneto-therapy on pain and functional outcome in complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I). We hypothesized that BEMER therapy, based on its declared effects on microcirculation, could be beneficial in the treatment of this condition. Methods: This was a randomized controlled double-blind pilot study that included 30 patients with CRPS-I. Patients were divided into two groups: a study group, in which the rehabilitation program was combined with BEMER therapy for 10 consecutive days, and a control group, in which the rehabilitation program was combined with a sham BEMER treatment. Outcome measures (Visual Analogic Scale pain; Hand Grip Strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ; Maryland Foot Score) were taken at the beginning and end of treatment, and at 1 month follow-up. Results: The study demonstrated that the group treated with BEMER combined with rehabilitation yielded better results in the short term, in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement both at the upper and lower limbs. Conclusions: Data from the present pilot study suggest that BEMER therapy can be indicated, in combination with traditional rehabilitation programs, for the treatment of CRPS-I.

Body Perception Disturbance and Pain Reduction in Longstanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical guidelines for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome recommend multidisciplinary rehabilitation, yet limited evidence exists to support the effectiveness of this approach. Body perception disturbance, a common and debilitating feature of complex regional pain syndrome, is recommended by guidelines as important to treat. However, no study has yet explored whether disturbances change in response to multidisciplinary rehabilitation. We aimed to determine whether there is a change in body perception disturbance and pain following a two-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for complex regional pain syndrome. METHODS: Retrospective clinical data from complex regional pain syndrome patients who completed the program between September 2014 and December 2016 were extracted and anonymized. Data collected pre- and post rehabilitation comprising the Bath Body Perception Disturbance scale and a pain intensity numerical rating scale were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty complete data sets were analyzed from a sample of 50 consecutive patient records. After the program, there was a significant reduction in body perception disturbance (P < 0.0001), strength of negative emotional feelings (P < 0.0001), and pain (P = 0.0038). There was a significant correlation between a change in disturbance and pain (r = 0.44, P = 0.024). No relationship was found between the duration of symptoms and changes in disturbance (r = 0.04, P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that both body perception disturbance and pain reduce after rehabilitation. Findings suggest that targeting these disturbances may be important in reducing pain and may be a potentially useful measure for recovery. Controlled trials are required to confirm the effectiveness of rehabilitation and determine what factors are responsible for these reductions.

[Pain Rehabilitation in CRPS]. / Schmerzrehabilitation beim CRPS.

Chronic pain can be distinguished into malignant and non-malignant pain, that is, in pain with no prospect of healing, e. g. Tumor pain, and pain, where there is a chance of recovery and a good quality of life. While tumor pain is primarily about adequate and rapid pain reduction, the therapeutic treatment concept of non-malignant chronic pain is based on the bio-psycho-social model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).The restoration of everyday functions and participation are in particular focus, which is why it is appropriate to speak of "pain rehabilitation". The concept of pain rehabilitation under the direction of rehabilitation physicians, in collaboration with pain therapists and psychologists, ensures optimal seamless rehabilitation from a single source with the overall rehabilitation goal, in addition to the best possible quality of life, to restore participation, in particular to reach a successful reintegration into everyday life and working life.Using the example of the CRPS, the therapeutic and medicinal options of pain rehabilitation are presented. Focal points are the phase-appropriate physiotherapy and occupational therapy, supported by physical measures. Especially with the CRPS, an early diagnosis is crucial for the prognosis. Orthopedic surgeons are particularly required here, as are all other doctors who treat patients after injuries. The treatment of the CRPS remains challenging despite new therapeutic approaches and should be reserved for specialized outpatient departments and clinics in more complex and severe cases.

Dramatic effect in passive ROM exercise under sedation in a patient with intractable complex regional pain syndrome (type I): A case report.

RATIONALE: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) usually occurs after trauma and surgery but can also occur spontaneously. There are various known pathophysiology and treatment protocols for CRPS. However, there is no established treatment guideline. Although physical therapy is known as the first line treatment for CRPS, performing physical therapy is difficult due to severe pain. This case reports the first case with positive effect of physical therapy under sedation that allowed early physical therapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 19-year old female had her right elbow area slightly hit by someone else, after which it began to swell and become more painful. Active and passive range of motion (ROM) of the right upper extremity gradually decreased through 3 months, and pain and edema worsened. DIAGNOSES: She had allodynia, nonpitting edema, temperature asymmetry, and trophic change in fingernails in the right upper extremity, which met the diagnostic criteria for CRPS. In the 3-phase bone scan, which is a specific tool to diagnose CRPS, there was trace uptake increase in the right elbow and wrist, indicating possibility of CRPS. INTERVENTIONS: Despite conventional treatments such as pharmacologic and interventional therapies, neither pain nor edema subsided. Pain was so severe that it was impossible to apply physical therapy. Therefore, the patient underwent passive ROM exercise in the right upper extremity under sedation for 30 minutes, which was relatively easier due to decreased pain. After 2 days of passive ROM exercise under sedation, the patient was able to receive passive ROM exercise twice daily without sedation for 18 days. OUTCOMES: After 20 days of passive ROM exercise, including 2 days of passive ROM exercise under sedation, the circumference of her right hand decreased by 5 cm, wrist 2 cm, and elbow 6 cm compared to the initial measurement. Numeric pain rating scale improved from 9 to 3, and her manual muscle test marked fair plus from trace, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test score 43 from 0. LESSONS: This case suggests that passive ROM exercise under sedation may be a successful alternative as a treatment when exercise, currently known as a treatment to CRPS, is impossible.

Standards for the diagnosis and management of complex regional pain syndrome: Results of a European Pain Federation task force.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome is a painful and disabling post-traumatic primary pain disorder. Acute and chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are major clinical challenges. In Europe, progress is hampered by significant heterogeneity in clinical practice. We sought to establish standards for the diagnosis and management of CRPS. METHODS: The European Pain Federation established a pan-European task force of experts in CRPS who followed a four-stage consensus challenge process to produce mandatory quality standards worded as grammatically imperative (must-do) statements. RESULTS: We developed 17 standards in 8 areas of care. There are 2 standards in diagnosis, 1 in multidisciplinary care, 1 in assessment, 3 for care pathways, 1 in information and education, 4 in pain management, 3 in physical rehabilitation and 2 on distress management. The standards are presented and summarized, and their generation and consequences were discussed. Also presented are domains of practice for which no agreement on a standard could be reached. Areas of research needed to improve the validity and uptake of these standards are discussed. CONCLUSION: The European Pain Federation task force present 17 standards of the diagnosis and management of CRPS for use in Europe. These are considered achievable for most countries and aspirational for a minority of countries depending on their healthcare resource and structures. SIGNIFICANCE: This position statement summarizes expert opinion on acceptable standards for CRPS care in Europe.

A mysterious case of complex regional pain syndrome in a 9-year-old girl.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical manifestation and the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type II in childhood. METHODS: Using information on the symptoms, diagnosis, rehabilitation and outcome of a young patient with complex regional pain syndrome type II. RESULTS: A 9-year -old girl had severe pain in the region of the left foot, signs of a common fibular nerve entrapment, hyperalgesia not limited to the distribution of the injured nerve, weakness and temperature asymmetry unknown origin. She consulted few doctor's before she was given the right diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome type II. Following the diagnosis the treatment started, it included intensive physiotherapy, electrical therapy and also supportive psychological therapy. Half a year later, the patient was free of the daily pain and returned to all physical activity without any restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: The case report illustrates that peripheral nerve compression or injuries specifically, complex regional pain syndrome type II, should be taken into consideration when evaluating children with weakness and pain of the lower or upper limb. Implication of rehabilitation Raising the awareness of complex regional pain syndrome in the childhood is essential for an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The treatment options include early and adequate pain management inclusive electrical therapy and physiotherapy. Psychological therapy helps to avoid psychological stress reaction and the disease negative impact on the child's education and sports and the family social life.

Current practice in the rehabilitation of complex regional pain syndrome: a survey of practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: International clinical guidelines for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome recommend a wide range and variation of rehabilitation therapies as the core treatment. It is likely that most therapists employ a range of approaches when managing people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome but a recent Cochrane review identified little evidence relating to the effectiveness of multi-modal rehabilitation. There is need for up to date trials of rehabilitation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, but in order to develop a clear model of best practice that can be rigorously evaluated we need to understand current practice. METHOD: An electronic survey was disseminated internationally to clinicians involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. The survey aimed to establish which criteria are used for diagnosis and which modalities clinicians use to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and which they consider ineffective or harmful. RESULTS: 132 valid responses were received. A third of participants did not use any established criteria to diagnose Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Current practice commonly included patient education, encouragement of self-management, and physical exercises. Cortically directed treatments such as graded motor imagery and psychological approaches were often incorporated into treatment whereas pain provocative therapies, splinting, contrast bathing, and cold and heat therapy were rarely used in the acute or chronic phase of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. CONCLUSION: A broad range of modalities are currently used in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome rehabilitation. Practice appears to be characterized by educational and exercise based interventions delivered in a pain-contingent manner which largely echoes recommendations in international clinical guidelines. Implications for Rehabilitation: Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome suffer from a painful and disabling condition for which we still do not know the best treatment options. From our survey sample most clinicians use treatments recommended in the international guidelines. A large proportion of clinicians from our survey sample are not using internationally recognized diagnostic criteria and we therefore recommend that clinicians become familiar with these criteria and use them for all suspected Complex Regional Pain Syndrome cases.

Managing limb pain using virtual reality: a systematic review of clinical and experimental studies.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of virtual representation of body parts on pain perception in patients with pain and in pain-free participants exposed to experimentally induced pain.Methods: Databases searched: Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies investigating participants with clinical pain or those who were pain free and exposed to experimentally induced pain were analysed separately.Results: Eighteen clinical studies and seven experimental studies were included. Randomised controlled clinical trials showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups for pain intensity. Clinical studies with a single group pretest-posttest design showed a reduction in pain after intervention. In the studies including a sample of pain free participants exposed to experimentally induced pain there was an increase in pain threshold when the virtual arm was collocated with the real arm, when it moved in synchrony with the real arm, and when the colour of the stimulated part of the virtual arm became blue. Observing a virtual arm covered with iron armour reduced pain.Conclusions: The use of virtual representations of body parts to reduce pain is promising. However, due to the poor methodological quality and limitations of primary studies, we could not find conclusive evidence.Implications for rehabilitationVirtual reality has been increasingly used in the rehabilitation of painful and dysfunctional limbs.Virtual reality can be used to distract attention away from acute pain and may also provide corrective psychological and physiological environments.Virtual representation of body parts has been used to provide a corrective re-embodiment of painful dysmorphic body parts, and primary research shows promising results.

Chronic Pain Rehabilitation for Upper Extremity Pain Following Stimulator Removal.

BACKGROUND Both spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program (CPRP) are evidence-based treatments for chronic pain but differ on treatment foci. SCS focuses on decreasing the subjective pain experience as a means of improving function and quality of life. CPRP focuses on addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors associated with chronic pain to improve function. Due to experimental constraints, these 2 treatment options are difficult to compare; however, this case report offers a unique opportunity to examine outcomes for both interventions in a sequential manner for changes in pain, function, and mood. CASE REPORT This single case study examined the separate and sequential outcomes of SCS and CPRP in a 26-year-old patient with a work-related injury resulting in chronic upper extremity pain. This patient was treated within an interdisciplinary CPRP following failure and removal of an SCS. Outcomes were measured by psychological assessments and return-to-work through a 6-month post-CPRP follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Pain intensity decreased following SCS placement and CPRP, while pain-related distress, pain interference, and overall affect improved only after CPRP, with sustained improvements at 6-month follow-up. Patient evidenced improvement following treatment with SCS and CPRP. SCS resulted in improvement in subjective pain and modest improved self-reported activity. CPRP demonstrated marked improvement in pain, self-reported function, and mood with patient eventually returning to work and maintaining most of these gains 6-months after completing CPRP treatment.

EXPOSURE IN VIVO VERSUS PAIN-CONTINGENT PHYSICAL THERAPY IN COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME TYPE I: A COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of exposure in vivo (EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment targeting pain-related fear) in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I), as compared to pain-contingent physical therapy (PPT). METHODS: Data from a randomized controlled trial were used to compare the cost-effectiveness of EXP versus PPT from a societal perspective. Intervention costs, other healthcare costs, costs to patient and family, and productivity losses were included. The main outcomes were changes in the SF-36 physical component scale and quality-adjusted life-years. Changes were followed until 6 months after treatment. Uncertainty was estimated using nonparametric bootstrap analysis, cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and cost-effectiveness planes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to check robustness of findings. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were randomized and thirty-eight completed the study. Over 6 months, EXP resulted in greater improvement in physical health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years than PPT. Despite higher initial treatment costs, EXP showed a tendency to reduce all costs compared with PPT; healthcare costs were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness planes were in favor of EXP. Sensitivity analyses, for different program costs and complete cases only, confirmed robustness of these findings. CONCLUSIONS: EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment, seems more cost-effective than PPT in CRPS patients with pain-related fear. The initial higher costs for EXP are offset by a long-term reduction of costs for healthcare use, and a tendency to lower work absenteeism and reduced societal costs. Due to low sample sizes, replication of findings is required to confirm results.

Management of long-term complex regional pain syndrome with allodynia: A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: Conventional rehabilitation alone may not be effective in reducing symptoms in some patients with complex regional pain syndrome. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This case report portrays the benefits of a new tailored rehabilitation program for a 39-year-old patient suffering from upper limb complex regional pain syndrome with severe touch-evoked pain (static mechanical allodynia). METHODS: This patient had previously received conventional rehabilitation for a year and a half including physical and nonsurgical medical interventions that did not improve symptoms or function. In the search for an alternative, this patient was referred to occupational therapy to try a tailored rehabilitation program, drawing on multiple strategies used sequentially according to the patient's tolerance and symptom evolution. During this 22-month program, the following methods were added (listed chronologically): somatosensory rehabilitation of pain method, graded motor imagery, pain management modalities, active mobilizations, strengthening exercises, and task simulation. The patient successively showed resolution of mechanical allodynia, decreased pain, reduction of tactile hypesthesia and improvement in active range of motion, strength, and function. These improvements allowed him to return to work. DISCUSSION: This suggests that a tailored rehabilitation program combining somatosensory rehabilitation of pain method, graded motor imagery and more conventional approaches could improve symptoms and functional status in patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome, even with persistent refractory symptoms. CONCLUSION: The addition of the somatosensory rehabilitation of pain method and the graded motor imagery approach to conventional therapy could be considered in cases of complex regional pain syndrome that do not respond to conventional rehabilitation alone.

Mechanism-specific rehabilitation management of complex regional pain syndrome: Proposed recommendations from evidence synthesis.

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. INTRODUCTION: There are a variety of treatments with demonstrated effectiveness for the management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However given the variability in symptom presentation in this population, therapists may be unsure what treatments would be most effective for individual clients. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To present a brief synthesis of the literature and propose a rehabilitation version of a mechanism-specific management algorithm to guide personalized treatment of CRPS. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines addressing rehabilitation of CRPS. Results were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers and final selection of articles was reached by consensus, Data was extracted using standardized forms, and a single rater gave quality ratings. Both reviewers then used the extracted data to present a synthesis of the evidence categorized by the proposed mechanisms of effect. RESULTS: A total of 111 articles were retrieved and reviewed for inclusion; 49 were selected for data extraction. A synthesis of the key recommendations was compiled into a rehabilitation-specific version of the mechanism-based management algorithm proposed by Gierthmühlen et al (2014). CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of mechanism-appropriate rehabilitation interventions may assist therapists to select the most appropriate and effective treatments from the body of evidence supporting rehabilitation of CRPS.

Pain reduction due to novel sensory-motor training in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I - A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper limb show a changed cortical representation of the affected hand. The lip area invades the former hand area contralateral to the affected hand. This change in cortical representation is correlated to the intensity of ongoing pain in patients with CRPS. Further studies revealed that restoration of the original representation coincides with a decrease of pain. Sensory-motor training protocols can increase and/or relocate cortical somatosensory and motor representation areas of the fingers, as shown, for example, in Braille reading individuals and professional violin players. Further, there is evidence that sensory-motor discrimination training has a beneficial effect on both the intensity of pain and the mislocalization of sensory-motor cortical areas in CRPS patients. Based on these propositions, we developed a novel sensory-motor self-training paradigm for CRPS patients to use in a home-based manner. METHODS: Ten CRPS patients performed the sensory-motor training for 2weeks. The training consists of a braille-like haptic task with different training modes (bi-manual, speed and memory training). During the training, as well as 1week before and after, patients were asked to fill out pain diaries. Furthermore, measures of impairment were acquired at baseline and post training. RESULTS: Patients showed significant pain reduction after the 2week training period. The overall disability as well as the depression scores showed a trend to improve after the 2week training. The reduction in pain was correlated with the total amount of training performed. CONCLUSIONS: This is a first proof of principle study of a novel sensory-motor self-training protocol to reduce pain in CRPS patients. The more consistent the patients trained the larger the pain reduction. Sensory-motor training, which can be performed on a regular basis at home might provide a novel interventional strategy to improve symptoms of CRPS. IMPLICATIONS: Although a larger study needs to be conducted to confirm our findings, including long-term follow-up, the results show, that a sensory-motor home-based training is a strategy worth exploring further for the reduction of pain as well as high frequency training for patients with CRPS.

[Cognitive-perceptive approaches in the treatment of chronic pain]. / Kognitiv-perzeptive Ansätze bei chronischen Schmerzen.

In the treatment of difficult chronic pain conditions, cognitive-perceptive approaches offer an alternative to conventional therapies. Especially phantom limb pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are frequently treated with these promising modalities. This article provides an overview of the most important cognitive-perceptive therapies and the research results concerning their clinical efficacy. In addition, we discuss their neurobiological foundation and clinical perspectives.

Continuous Regional Anesthesia and Inpatient Rehabilitation for Pediatric Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports treatment of pediatric complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) with physical and occupational therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some patients have persistent pain and/or limb dysfunction despite these treatments. We performed a retrospective study of pediatric patients with CRPS treated by continuous epidural or peripheral perineural local anesthetic infusions along with inpatient rehabilitation at Boston Children's Hospital. METHODS: After approval from the institutional review board, electronic medical records were reviewed for patients treated between September 2003 and September 2014. Primary outcomes were pain and functional scores. Data were collected at the first encounter, at follow-up visits between 4 months before and after admission, and daily while inpatient. Changes over time were assessed using Wilcoxon tests with Dunn corrections. Clinical significance of benefit or harm was assessed by the method of Jacobson and Truax. Response predictors were analyzed using linear mixed models and exploratory logarithmic regression analyses. RESULTS: Pain, function, and disability scores improved during hospitalization and in follow-up over a 4-month period. Seventy percent of patients achieved clinically significant benefit (56% for pain reduction and 40% increased functionality, respectively). Univariate and adjusted predictors of favorable outcome included preadmission resting Numeric Pain Rating Scale score of less than 6 (odds ratio, 5.0; P = 0.0164 and subsequent attendance at the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center at Boston Children's Hospital (odds ratio, 5.0; P = 0.0206). Mean pain scores greater than 3 during the regional anesthesia infusion predicted less favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous regional anesthesia may be an option to facilitate intensive rehabilitation for selected pediatric patients with CRPS. Further research should help clarify the role of regional anesthesia in a comprehensive management program.