Complex regional pain syndrome - case report

Abstract

The complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by disproportionate pain concerning noxious stimuli,as well as sensory, vasomotor, trophic or motor disorders in the affected limb. It´s related to major trauma andsoft tissue minor injury, clinically presenting from joint stiffness and pain, to loss of function.The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PRM) approach is crucial in functional recovery.The authors describe the case of a 32-year-old male with a knee pain that began 4 years ago. He was sent a yearago, after several knee arthroscopies without significant diagnostic findings, presenting quadriceps atrophy, kneeoedema and hyperesthesia, which lead to walking with crutches and professional inability. The patient wassubmitted to a program including joint mobilization and muscle strengthening as well as analgesicelectrotheraphy. After the contribution of bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of CRPS, calcitonin was introducedand a reinforcement of the program was made through additional muscle strengthening, physical agents andpsychological support. An increase in muscle strength, pain relief in walking (VAS) and professional reintegrationwere accomplished.In CRPS, early intervention of PRM is decisive in keeping functional use of the affected limb through pain relief,range of movement and muscle strength preservation, as shown in this case.

Keywords: Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; physical therapy; knee; pain.