complex - regional pain syndrome after fractures of distal radius

Objectives: The present study aims to determine frequency of Complex regional pain syndrome [CRPS] after distal radius fractures on the basis of clinical examination findings and classify into stages and to find out association of CPRS with age, genders, and risk factors. Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This research work was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, Creek General Hospital Korangi Karachi, Pakistan from January 2013 to April 2014. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional study of 150 cases. Follow up of patients is undertaken in out- patient department for a minimum 4 months period following injury. The percentage of patients with CRPS was identified according to IASP Diagnostic Criteria based on history and physical eamination.'.'. Patients were studied prospectively to ascertain the incidence, natural history and the degree of morbidity induced by CRPS. Results: Mean* SD age was 45.6f 14.2 years [Range = 18 - 75 years]. There were 88 [58.7%] males and 62 [41.3%] females with Male: Female = 1: 0.7. CPRS was found in 20 [13.3%] cases. Out of 20 CRPS patients 12 [60%] were female, out of 20 CRPS patients 12 [60%] had age 40 - 59 years and 8 [40%] had age >59 years. Out of 20 CRPS patients 14 [70%] were diagnosed in stage 1. Conclusion: The incidence of CRPS after distal radius fracture in this study is 13.3%.Proportion of CRPS was high in females and in old patients. Most of the patients of CRPS were diagnosed in stage 1. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome and myocardial infarction were the risk factors found in patients diagnosed with CRPS. CRPS is an under diagnosed entity. More work needs to be done on CRPS as many areas of research remains