Introduction:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome encompasses a symptomatology that can be self-limiting or terribly limiting. Despite the enormous interest it arouses in the scientific community, it is not clear what determines its evolution. Currently, it seems clear that treatment must be adjusted based on the predominant pathophysiological mechanisms in each patient according to its evolutionary stage.

Physiopathology:

It is caused by a complex combination of different factors that start at the time of the trauma and consist of sensitization of the nervous system, dysfunction of the autonomic system and inflammatory changes. There is also an undoubted immunological component, with the presence of autoimmunization, genetic involvement and the finding that certain psychological states seem to influence the progression of the disease.

Prevention:

The administration of vitamin C is recommended after trauma or surgery on limbs, especially when there are risk factors (distal radius fractures). Also, early mobilization should be encouraged and high levels of anxiety should be treated to prevent its development.

Treatment:

Treatment should be early, multimodal and coordinated, with the fundamental objective not only of relieving pain, but also of functionally recovering the affected limb. The cornerstone of treatment is rehabilitation. It should be accompanied by pharmacotherapy and psychological treatment. Within the pharmacotherapy, corticoids (in the most acute phases), bisphosphonates and free-radical scavengers are of special relevance. In advanced stages of the disease, intravenous ketamine is considered as a therapeutic option. Interventional treatments should be considered when the evolution of the syndrome is not optimal, especially sympathetic blocks, in case of predominant sympathetic dysfunction, or neuromodulation, which is the treatment modality with the most scientific evidence.

Conclusions:

In the approach to this complex pathology in which multiple mechanisms are involved that we must treat simultaneously, coordination between services is necessary for its greater performance, fundamentally rehabilitation, pain unity and psychology.

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