Terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica en el tratamiento del dolor / Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy in pain treatment

El dolor crónico constituye un reto terapéutico especial. Se presenta una revisión narrativa sobre el papel del tratamiento de oxigenación hiperbárica (TOHB) en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático, y sus aplicaciones en dolor crónico, síndromes neurosensitivos disfuncionales y oncodolor. El conocimiento de las indicaciones de TOHB en algiología y su aplicación en la práctica médica puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. (AU)

Chronic pain represents a special therapeutic challenge. We present a narrative review on the role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and its applications in chronic pain, dysfunctional neurosensitive syndromes and oncological pain. The knowledge of the indications of HBOT in algiology and its application in medical practice can contribute to improve the quality of life of the patient. (AU)

Contralateral Mirror Image Spreading in Post-Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The long-term prognosis of complex regional pain syndrome is difficult to predict because of its unclear pathophysiology. The syndrome can spontaneously spread to other regions in the body. We report a case in which a complex regional pain syndrome that occurred in a 75-year-old male patient after a stroke spread to the opposite side.

Complex regional pain syndrome: new concepts regarding diagnosis and treatment

Antecedentes: Los autores presentan una revisión crítica sobre el cuadro clínico, el diagnóstico, clasificación y tratamientodel síndrome de dolor regional complejo, discutiendo todos los métodos de tratamiento y haciendo hincapié en que la reabilitación debe ser empleada con el fin de obtener un mejor resultado. Aspecto psicológico debe ser discutido en el tratamiento y también se anima equipo multidisciplinario para participar en él.

Background: The authors presented a critical review about the clinical picture, diagnosis, classification and treatment ofcomplex regional pain syndrome, discussing all methods of treatment and emphasizing that the reabiltation must be employed in order to obtain a better result. Psychological aspect must be involved in the treatment and also multidisciplinary team is encouraged to take part on it.

Nivel de actividad física y grado de discapacidad en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico / Level of physical activity and degree of disability in patients with chronic low back pain / Nivel de atividade física e grau de deficiêcia em pacientes com dor lombar crónico

OBJETIVO: Determinar, en una población colombiana, el nivel de actividad física y el nivel de discapacidad en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico y establecer la eventual existencia de asociación entre estas variables. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: En una unidad externa de rehabilitación en Manizales (Colombia), pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico completaron tanto el cuestionario de actividad física de Baecke como el de incapacidad de dolor lumbar de Oswestry. RESULTADOS: Un total de 125 pacientes participaron en el estudio. El valor promedio del índice de Baecke fue de 7,9±0,9 con valores para hombres y mujeres de 7,8±0,1 y 8,0±0,7 respectivamente, sin que lograra demostrar una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los sexos. El valor promedio del índice de Oswestry fue de 40,7±18,3 con valores para hombres y mujeres de 38,4±18,8 y 42,4±17,7 respectivamente, sin que tampoco se lograra demostrar una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los sexos. Un valor del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson >0,05 demostró la inexistencia de relación entre el nivel de actividad física y el grado de discapacidad en los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados describen una población de pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico que, comparada con lo reportado en otros estudios en estos pacientes, puede ser considerada como más activa y menos discapacitada, pero en la cual no existe correlación entre el nivel de actividad física y el grado de discapacidad. Así las cosas, los pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico parecen variar los niveles de actividad independientemente del grado de discapacidad.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of physical activity and the level of disability in patients with chronic low back pain in a Colombian population and to establish the possible association between these variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an outpatient rehabilitation unit in Manizales (Colombia), patients with chronic low back pain completed both the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire and Oswestry Lumbar Pain Inability. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients participated in the study. The average value of the Baecke index was 7.9 ± 0.9, with values for men and women of 7.8 ± 0.1 and 8.0 ± 0.7 respectively, without being able to demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the Sexes. The average value of the Oswestry index was 40.7 ± 18.3 with average values for males and females of 38.4 ± 18.8 and 42.4±17.7 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes. A Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.05 showed no relationship between the level of physical activity and the degree of disability in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results describe a population of patients with chronic low back pain who, compared to other studies in these patients, may be considered as more active and less disabled but in which there is no correlation between the level of physical activity and the degree of disability. Thus, patients with chronic low back pain appear to vary physical activity levels independently of the degree of disability.

OBJETIVO: Determinar, em uma povoação colombiana, o nível de atividade física e o nível de deficiência em pacientes com dor lombar crônico e estabelecer a eventual existência de associação entre estas variáveis. MÉTODOS: Em uma unidade externa de reabilitação em Manizales (Colômbia), pacientes com dor lombar crônico completaram tanto o questionário de atividade física de Baecke como o de deficiência de dor lombar de Oswestry. RESULTADOS: Um total de 125 pacientes participaram no estudo. O valor meio do índice de Baecke foi de 7,9±0,9 com valores para homens e mulheres de 7,8±0,1 y 8,0±0,7 respectivamente, sem que lograsse demonstrar uma diferencia estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos. O valor meio do índice de Oswestry foi de 40,7±18,3 com valores para homens e mulheres de 38,4±18,8 e 42,4±17,7 respectivamente, sem que tampouco se lograsse demonstrar uma diferencia estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos. Um valor do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson >0,05 demonstrou a inexistência de relação entre o nível de atividade física e o grau de deficiência nos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados descrevem uma povoação de pacientes com dor lombar crônico que, comparada com o reportado em outros estudos em estes pacientes, pode ser considerada como mais ativa e menos deficiência, mas na qual não existe correlação entre o nível de atividade física e o grau de deficiência. Assim as coisas, os pacientes com dor lombar crônico parecem variar os níveis de atividade independentemente do grau de deficiência.

Calcific tendonitis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a patient with bilateral frozen shoulder syndrome

Calcific tendonitis is a common painful syndrome of the shoulder region that affects mainly women of 40 to 60 years of age. It usually remains asympatomatic at the early stages and in some patients, but produces severe and sometimes protracted pain during the resolution phase. Complex regional pain syndrome [CRPS] and the "frozen shoulder" syndrome are the main entities that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of the syndrome. Although there are specific criteria to diagnose any of these painful syndromes but occasionally some of these may co-exist and make diagnosis and appropriate treatment quite a challenging task. We present a case with bilateral calcific tendonitis of the shoulders, complicated with causalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy [RSD] syndrome that make the two arms of the CRPS. After failure of the conservative treatment [e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, opioids, physiotherapy, intra-articular steroids] to treat both pain and causalgia, we applied repetitive trials of electroacupuncture together with auricular acupuncture and one trial of intravenous regional anesthesia. The patient gradually responded to treatment and regained normal, painless mobility of the shoulders. She returned to normal life activities after five years of debilitating pain in both of her shoulders. We believe that electroacupuncture deserves further clinical research in painful musculoskeletal disorders like calcific tendonitis

Treatment for Acute Stage Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II with Polydeoxyribonucleotide Injection

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type II is a syndrome that develops after nerve injury. Symptoms may be severe, and vary depending on the degree of sympathetic nerve involvement. As yet, there is no satisfactory treatment. We report the case of a female patient who had an L5 left transverse process fracture and an S2 body fracture, who developed symptoms of CRPS type II in her left lower leg that were aggravated during ambulation in spite of absolute bed rest for one month after the trauma. Several treatments, including bed rest, medication, and numerous nerve blocks were attempted, but the pain persisted. We finally tried injection of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) solution at the left L5 transverse process fracture site because we knew of the anti-inflammatory effect of PDRN. One day after this treatment, her symptoms had almost disappeared and three days later, she was discharged. We will also further discuss the possibility of using PDRN solution for the treatment of CRPS.

Modified Bouquet Technique for Treatment of Metacarpal Neck Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of "modified Bouquet technique", as a simple and effective internal fixation with Kirschner-wire for the metacarpal neck fractures. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with metacarpal neck fracture treated by modified Bouquet technique were retrospectively reviewed. The operation time and removal time were evaluated. For radiologic evaluation, posterior angulation of fracture and metacarpal shortening were measured pre and postoperatively. For clinical evaluation, range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint, Green and O'Brien score were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative neck shaft angle of metacarpal bone was 46.0° and length of metacarpal bone was 51.2 mm, and postoperative neck shaft angle was 24.4° (p=0.003) and length of metacarpal length was 52.8 mm (p=0.031) in average. The mean range of motion was 86.6° and Green and O'Brien score was 96.1 points at last visit. We had one complicated case with type II complex regional pain syndrome of affected hand with hypertrophic scar formation. CONCLUSION: Modified Bouquet technique for metacarpal neck fracture is a good method using just two K-wires, plier and mallet without electric devices in short operation time. The technique can correct angulation of fracture site, rotation of finger and metacarpal shortening by controlling inserted K-wires with high bone union rate with less joint stiffness.

Reduction in mechanical allodynia in complex regional pain syndrome patients with ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the superficial peroneal nerve

The superficial peroneal nerve is vulnerable to damage from ankle sprain injuries and fractures as well as surgery to this region. And it is also one of the most commonly involved nerves in complex regional pain syndrome type II in the foot and ankle region. We report two cases of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of superficial peroneal nerve for reduction of allodynia in CRPS patients.

Síndrome regional complejo: revisión bibliográfica / Complex regional pain syndrome: a review

El síndrome de dolor regional complejo es una entidad clínica difícil de diagnosticar, especialmente cuando no se está familiarizado con el término. Para poder identificarlo es necesario conocerlo; produce un dolor espontáneo que cursa con hiperalgesia y alodinia como fenómenos distorsionados sensoriales, variaciones de flujo sanguíneo, sudoración y cambios tróficos por un estado inflamatorio localizado seguido por una etapa de desórdenes crónicos neuropáticos. Su presencia está relacionada más frecuentemente a un trauma inespecífico o un daño directo sobre una estructura nerviosa en las extremidades. Clásicamente es dividido en dos formas: Tipo I, anteriormente denominado Distrofia simpática refleja y el Tipo II, más conocido por el término de Causalgia. No ha sido posible establecer su fisiopatología, sin embargo se reconoce que se involucra todo el sistema nervioso para su instauración. Dentro de la práctica diaria del médico forense costarricense, se presenta la valoración de daño corporal en el ámbito laboral, penal y contencioso administrativo, por lo que es trascendental aprender a identificarlo, pues hay casos con factores en los cuales este síndrome puede ser planteado como secuela directa.

The complex regional pain syndrome is a clinical entity that is difficult to diagnose, especially when you are not familiar with the term. In order to identify it, it is necessary to know it well. It produces spontaneous pain like hyperalgesia and allodinya causing sensory distorted phenomena, variations of blood flow, sweating, and trophic changes by a localized inflammatory condition, followed by a stage of chronic neuropathic disorders. Its presence is most often related to an unspecified trauma or direct damage to a nerve structure in the extremities. Generally, it is divided in two forms: type I, formerly known as reflex sympathethic dystrophy, and type II, better known as causalgia. Though it has not been possible to establish its pathophysiology, it is recognized that the entire nervous system is involved. In daily practice, a Costa Rican forensic doctor is presented with the assessment of bodily harm in the fields of work accidents, criminal agressions, and administrative litigation. Since there are cases in which this syndrome may be directly related, it is extremely important to learn how to identify it successfully.

A influência da suplementação de sulfato de condroitina na dor e nos aspectos funcionais associados à osteoartrose / Influence of chondroitin sulfate supplementation in pain and functional aspects associated with osteoarthritis

Introdução: A osteoartrose é a principal causa de limitação da funcionalidade e incapacidade nos idosos. Dentre os tratamentos farmacológicos está a suplementação com sulfato de condroitina. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre a influência do sulfato de condroitina na dor e aspectos funcionais associados à osteoartrose. Métodos: Foram utilizados os descritores "osteoarthritis" e "chondroitin". Os artigos foram selecionados de forma independente e cega, por dois pesquisadores. Foram incluídos somente ensaios clínicos primários, escritos na língua portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola entre 2005 a 2013. A escala PEDro foi utilizada como instrumento de avaliação. Resultados: Foram encontrados 1.916 estudos, permanecendo nove artigos para a análise. Dos nove analisados, quatro mostraram a eficácia da suplementação do sulfato de condroitina na redução da dor e da incapacidade funcional, enquanto cinco investigações não mostraram efeitos estatisticamente significantes. Conclusões: A influência do sulfato de condroitina na dor e aspectos funcionais na osteoartrose permanece questionável.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of limitation of functionality and disability in the elderly. The supplementation with chondroitin sulfate is among the pharmacological treatments. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the influence of chondroitin sulfate on pain and functional aspects associated with osteoarthritis. Methods: The keywords "osteoarthritis" and "chondroitin" were used. The articles were selected independently and blindly by two researchers. Only primary clinical trial, written in Portuguese, English and Spanish in the period between 2005 to 2013 were included. The PEDro scale was used as an evaluation tool. Results: A total of 1.916 studies with appropriate descriptors were found, and nine of these papers remained for analysis. Of these nine studies analyzed, four showed the effectiveness of supplementation of chondroitin sulfate in reducing pain and functional disability, while five studies showed no statistically significant effects. Conclusions: The influence of chondroitin sulfate in pain and functional aspects in osteoarthritis remains questionable.

Síndrome de dolor regional complejo / Complex regional pain synndrome

El Síndrome de Dolor Regional Complejo (SDRC) es una enfermedad crónica, que se caracteriza por dolor y alteraciones sensitivas, motoras y autonómicas, a menudo sigue a trauma de un miembro, su curso es variable y, tanto su fisiopatología como el tratamiento, no están claramente establecidos. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una actualización de los aspectos generales de la enfermedad y mostrar parte de la evidencia existente en relación a las alternativas terapéuticas de la misma, tanto las conservadoras como las intervencionales. Es importante tener en consideración algunos puntos que limitan el objetivo de obtención de evidencia de buena calidad para el tratamiento de este síndrome. Lo primero es que el diagnóstico es clínico y los criterios para realizarlo han variado en el tiempo. Segundo, es la ausencia de criterios estandarizados para medir los resultados al tratamiento. Y, por último, ya que se trata de un síndrome crónico cuya manifestación principal es el dolor, existe respuesta a placebo...

The Regional Pain Syndrome Complex (CRPS ) is a chronic disease, which is characterized by pain and sensory, motor and autonomic disturbances, often follows trauma, the course and the pathophysiology are variable. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the general aspects of the disease and show the evidence in relation to therapeutic alternatives...

Sintomas e limitações funcionais de pacientes com síndrome da dor patelofemoral / Symptoms and functional limitations of patellofemoral pain syndrome patients

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome da dor patelofemoral (SDPF) é uma das desordens mais comuns que afetam a articulação do joelho. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar sintomas e limitações funcionais de pacientes com SDPF. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 26 pacientes com SDPF (GSDPF) e 31 clinicamente saudáveis (GC), pareados em idade, estatura e massa corporal. Foi aplicada uma ficha de avaliação e o questionário de Kujala. Em seguida os pacientes realizaram 2 testes funcionais, agachar e subir e descer um step por 30 segundos, além de serem orientados a deambular por um percurso de 8 metros em superfície nivelada, subir e descer de uma escada e rampa, sendo a ordem de realização destas atividades aleatória. Foi avaliada a intensidade da dor pela escala analógica visual (EAV) antes e após cada atividade. Para o tratamento estatístico foram utilizados os testes de Wilcoxon e U Mann-Whitney, com significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O GSDPF apresentou menor pontuação (75,8 ± 11,8 pontos) no questionário de Kujala em comparação ao GC (100 ± 0,0 pontos) (p = 0,001). Constatou-se que dos 26 pacientes com SDPF, 23 relataram sentir dor ao agachar, 18 ao subir e descer escadas, 25 ao ajoelhar, 14 ao correr, 16 ao ficar sentado por tempo prolongado e 9 ao praticar esportes. A intensidade da dor pela EAV confirmou estas afirmações, ocorrendo exacerbação da dor após agachar (p = 0,001), subir e descer de um step (p = 0,001), caminhar em superfície plana (p = 0,01), subir e descer escada (p = 0,001) e rampa (p = 0,01) nos pacientes com SDPF. CONCLUSÃO: A SDPF pode levar a dor e limitações funcionais que comprometem a realização das atividades de vida diária.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the commonest disorders affecting knee joint. This study aimed at evaluating symptoms and functional limitations of PFPS patients. METHOD: Participated in this study 26 PFPS patients (PFPSG) and 31 clinically healthy patients (CG), paired by age, height and body mass. Evaluation cards and Kujala questionnaire were applied. Then patients went through two functional tests: crouching, climbing and descending a step for 30 seconds, in addition to being oriented to walk 8 m in a leveled surface, to climb and descend a stair and a ramp, and such activities were randomly performed. Pain intensity was evaluated through the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after each activity. Wilcoxon and U Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis, considering significant p = 0.05. RESULTS: The PFPS group had lower scores (75.8 ± 11.8) in Kujala questionnaire, as compared to the C group (100 ± 0.0) (p = 0.001). From 26 PFPS patients, 23 reported pain when crouching, 18 when climbing or descending stairs, 25 when kneeing, 14 when running, 16 when sitting for a long period and 9 when practicing sports. Pain intensity by VAS has confirmed such statements with pain exacerbation after crouching (p = 0.001), climbing and descending a step (p = 0.001), walking on a leveled surface (p = 0.01), climbing and descending a stair ( p = 0.001) and ramp (p = 0.01) in patients with PFPS. CONCLUSION: PFPS may lead to pain and functional limitations which impair daily life activities.

Duloxetina no tratamento da dor lombar inflamatória crônica em pacientes portadores de espondilite anquilosante: relato de casos / Duloxetine to treat chronic inflammatory low back pain in ankylosing spondylitis patients: case reports

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A espondilite anquilosante (EA) é uma doença inflamatória crônica de etiologia autoimune, cujo principal sintoma é a lombalgia crônica de caráter inflamatório, cujo tratamento e complicações representam um encargo considerável para a sociedade. Novas opções terapêuticas têm sido buscadas para o tratamento da dor lombar inflamatória refratárianos pacientes com EA. O objetivo foi apresentar dois pacientes portadores de EA com dor lombar refratária ao usode anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINES), que apresentaram importante melhora clínica com a duloxetina.RELATO DOS CASOS: Dois pacientes do sexo masculino com EA e dor lombar crônica inflamatória refratária ao uso de AINES, que usaram duloxetina (60 mg/dia) e apresentaram melhora clínica importante do quadro doloroso. CONCLUSÃO: A duloxetina se mostrou eficaz para a redução da intensidade da dor lombar crônica inflamatória em pacientes portadores de EA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Its major symptom is chronic inflammatory low back pain, which treatment and complications represent a considerable burden to society. New therapeutic options have been studied to treat refractory inflammatory low back pain in AS patients. The objective was to present two AS patients with low back pain refractory to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), who presented important clinical improvement with duloxetine.CASE REPORTS: Two male patients with AS and chronic inflammatory low back pain refractory to NSAIDs,who used duloxetine (60 mg/day) and presented major clinical improvement.CONCLUSION: Duloxetine was effective to decrease chronic inflammatory low back pain intensity in AS patients.

Tapentadol, una nueva opción terapéutica: [revisión] / Tapentadol a new therapeutic option: [review]

Introducción. La dolencia o disfunción periférica se asocia a un fenómeno sensorial que incluye síntomas tanto de pérdida de función como de generación de dolor. Los opioides proporcionan alivio en muchos estados de dolor; sin embargo, tienen una potencia y una eficacia reducidas sobre un dolor neuropático. Objetivo. Presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura sobre tapentadol, con el fin de quesirva, de manera práctica, como una guía. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Cochrane, PubMed y Embase; se obtuvieron 66 artículos, y de estos se seleccionaron los artículos con la información relevante sobre el tapentadol. Resultados y conclusiones. La terapia de combinación mediante el uso de agonistas del receptor opioide µ, junto a inhibidores de la recaptación de noradrenalina, ha ido ganando adeptos durante los últimos años, como alternativa para tratar los diversos mecanismos que subyacen al dolor neuropático. No obstante, si bien los fármacos inhibidores de la recaptación de noradrenalina son bien tolerados, su eficacia analgésica a menudo no es satisfactoria, y, por su parte, los opioides suelen ofrecer problemas de tolerabilidad; recientemente se ha introducido en el mercado el tapentadol, que combina en una misma molécula acciones de ambos mecanismos de acción, lo cual supone una novedosa, mejorada y eficiente alternativa a la terapia analgésica.

Introduction: The peripheral dysfunction or illness is associated to the sensory phenomenon that includes both symptoms of loss of function as well as pain generation. Opioids provide relief from many pain settings; however they have reduced potency and efficacy for neuropathic pain. Objective. Provide a current review of the literature about tapentadol that could be used as a guide. Methodology. A literature search on the Cochrane, PubMed and Embase databases retrieved 66 papers, and from these, the papers with relevant information about tapentadol were selected. Results and Conclusions. The therapeutic combination of the μ opioid receptor agonists with inhibitorsof the norepinephrine reuptake have become more popular recently as an alternative to treat the mechanisms responsible for neuropathic pain. However, even though the inhibitors ofthe norepinephrine reuptake are well tolerated, their analgesic efficacy is usually unsatisfactory, and opioids usually have tolerability problems;the recent introduction of tapentadol, which combines in the same molecule both mechanisms of action can represent a novel, improved and efficient alternative for analgesia.

La termografía basal como herramienta diagnóstica en el síndrome de dolor regional complejo tipo 2 / Basal thermography as diagnostic tool in the complex regional pain syndrome type 2

Presentamos nuestra experiencia con la termografía para el diagnóstico del síndrome de dolor regional complejo (SDRC) tipo 2 a predominio unilateral. Describimos los resultados en catorce pacientes en los cuales encontramos diferencias significativas de temperatura cuando comparamos el lado afectado con el sano o menos sintomático, con una correlación directa con el tiempo de evolución. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que la termografía puede ser un método útil para el diagnóstico del SDRC tipo 2 con un tiempo de evolución prolongado.

We present our experience with thermography for diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type II with unilateral predominance. We describe the results in fourteen patients, in which we found significant differences when comparing the sick side with the healthy or less affected one, with parallel increases with disease’s time of evolution. Our findings show that thermography can be a useful diagnostic method for long - term evolution Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 2.

Síndrome doloroso regional complejo: [revisión] / Complex regional pain syndrome: [review]

Introducción. El síndrome doloroso regional complejo (SDRC) es una entidad que se presenta después de una lesión. Sus principales características son dolor, cambios en la coloración y temperatura de la piel, edema y cambios tróficos. Objetivo. Presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura para mejorar la comprensión de este síndrome. Metodología. Se seleccionaron 48 artículos de revistas indexadas y 4 capítulos de libros sobre medicina del dolor. Conclusión. El SDRC suele ser de difícil manejo, y de no ser tratado adecuadamente, la funcionalidad de la extremidad afectada puede verse comprometida. El diagnóstico temprano y el manejo oportuno reducen la severidad y duración de esta entidad.

Introduction. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic disabling disorder that occurs after an injury. Pain, changes in the color and temperature of the skin, edema and trophic changes are the main characteristics of this syndrome. Objective. To provide a current literature overview of the CRPS to improve its understanding.Methodology. An extensive literature search both in indexed journals and pain medicine books was performed. Forty eight articles and 4 book chapters about pain medicine were included. Conclusion. CRPS is difficult to manage and if it is not treated adequately, functionality of the affected limb can be compromised. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the severity and duration of this condition.

Sindromes dolorosos regionales complejos: controversias y recientes conceptos / Complex regional pain syndromes: controversies and recent concepts

Una de las más intrigantes patologías que los médicos deben lidiar en su práctica médica diaria es el SDRC (Síndrome doloroso regional complejo). Existen múltiples y nuevos conceptos emergidos de las continuas investigaciones que permitien ajustar nuevas terapias acorde a cada paciente. Su diferenciación entre neuropático e inflamatorio aun no es clara debido a los múltiples mecanismos involucrados en su fisiopatología. Este artículo pretende facilitar la comprensión de las características clínicas del síndrome y los avances en la investigación.

One of the most intriguing pathologies that physicians face be dealing in his daily medical practice is the CRPS(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).There are several and news concepts arising from the continuous research that allow us to udjust new therapiesaccording to each patient. The precise place between neuropathic or inflammatory is not clear due to several mechanisms involved in its his pathophysiology. The aim of this paper is to give some lights to understand the main factors regard to clinicmanifestations and treatment of this syndrome.

Spinal cord stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome with severe epidural adhesions: A case report

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is often a devastating neuropathic condition that has been recognized with increasing frequency in the lower extremities. Patients with CRPS may worsen to such a degree that the individual may never return to a satisfactory and productive life. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most minimally invasive and effective treatments for intractable pain such as CRPS. The most important factor for successful stimulation of the spinal cord is proper lead position that stimulation and pain regions match completely. A 39-year-old male patient, suffering from CRPS type II in his lower extremity, visited our pain clinic. It was a difficult case that the electrode for spinal cord stimulation was positioned at the proper site due to the adhesion of the epidural space by frequent epidural blocks and procedures. We report the efficacy of a steerable epidural catheter for adhesiolysis on the setting the electrode to the proper site in the epidural space.

Manejo farmacológico del dolor neuropático / Pharmacological Management of Neuropathic Pain

El dolor neuropático es una patología cuya prevalencia requiere proponer guías de manejo. Su severidad y, en algunos casos, dificultad para el tratamiento deterioran la calidad de vida. La prevalencia reportada en Europa es del 5%, y en dolor crónico post-operatorio varía entre 5 y 85% dependiendo del tipo de cirugía. El objetivo del presente artículo es revisar las alternativas farmacológicas para el manejo de dolor neuropático de acuerdo con su fundamento fisiopatológico, y presentar sugerencias para el manejo con medicamentos disponibles en Colombia, incluidos y no incluidos en el Plan Obligatorio de Salud.

The prevalence of neuropathic pain requires proposals for management guidelines. In some cases, the degree of severity and the difficulty of treating this disorder has resulted in poor quality of life. In Europe, reported prevalence is 5%, and chronic postoperative pain ranges between 5% and 85%, depending on the type of surgery. The purpose of this paper is to review the pharmacological options for treating neuropathic pain depending on the pathophysiology, and suggest therapeutical approaches with medications available in Colombia, included or not in the Mandatory Health Plan.

Comparative Analysis of the Independent Medical Examination Reports and Legal Decisions in Pain Medicine

BACKGROUND: An independent medical examination (IME) is a critical process for awarding reparation for injury. However, conducting an IME in pain medicine is very difficult, not only because pain is a subjective symptom, but also because there are no proper objective methods to demonstrate it. This study was conducted to compare IME reports and the court decisions on the disability status of the patients. METHODS: We analyzed 79 IME reports and 25 corresponding court decisions on the disability status of patients. The diagnoses, causal relationships between the patients' status and the trauma, McBride's degree of disability, the American Medical Association's impairment ratings, the estimated annual cost for future treatment, and the necessity of care-giving were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The diagnoses in the 79 cases were complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I (58 cases), CRPS type II (7 cases), peripheral neuropathy (5 cases), myofascial pain syndrome (4 cases), herniated intervertebral disc (2 cases), and fibromyalgia (1 case). The types of accidents were road traffic accidents (50 cases), military injuries (14 cases), industrial accidents (11 cases), and others (4 cases). The IME reports and the court decisions stated considerably different McBride's degrees of disability (P = 0.014). However, there was no significant difference in the estimated cost for future treatment between the IME reports and the court decisions (P = 0.912). CONCLUSION: IME reports should be accurate, fair, and based on objective findings. Feedback on IMEs from the court decisions is helpful for reference use.