Aims:
This study aimed to conduct a medical chart review of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 young male patients admitted to a rehabilitation center with the intention of developing a better understanding of the condition.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with CRPS type 1 aged between 18-25 years. Demographic and clinical charecteristics such as age, gender, initiating event, affected side, and the rate of recovery was noted for analysis.
Results:
The study included 61 patients with CRPS type 1 (mean age: 22.7±2.1 years). Fracture (39.3%) was the most common initiating factor. Unilateral CRPS type 1 was determined in 50 cases, 60.8% of the cases were on the right side, and 72.5% were on the upper extremity. The three-phase bone scintigraphy was consistent with a clinically diagnosed CRPS type 1 in 36 patients (59%). A full recovery of the disease was recorded in 31 (50.8%) cases.
Conclusions:
This study showed that the upper extremity was affected three times more than the lower extremity and fracture was the most common precipitating event. The rate of work return in younger adults was high.
Keywords: Complex regional pain syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, rehabilitation
