Complex regional pain syndrome type II localized to the index finger. A case report translating scientific evidence into clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS-II) is a rare condition associated with peripheral nervous system lesions. Its localized distribution in the fingers is unique, and its treatment is unclear. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a saw-cut index finger injury with associated tendon and nerve injuries. After surgery, he was admitted to physical therapy (PT) with persistent pain, joint stiffness, allodynia, and trophic changes compatible with CRPS-II localized in the index finger. The diagnosis was confirmed after applying the Budapest Criteria, and PT was progressive and individualized according to the patient's needs, including graded motor imagery, mobilizations, exercises, and education. OUTCOMES: After 12 weeks of PT, a clinically significant decrease in pain intensity and improvements in mobility and index finger and upper limb functionality was observed, reducing CRPS symptomatology. DISCUSSION: This report provides information about a unique case of a localized form of CRPS-II. After reviewing the literature on clinical cases of both CRPS-II and localized forms of CRPS, we highlight that the clinical features of this patient and his positive therapeutic response support the importance of translating the scientific evidence on CRPS into clinical practice.

The Short-term Effect of Graded Motor Imagery on the Affective Components of Pain in Subjects with Chronic Shoulder Pain Syndrome: Open-Label Single-Arm Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effect of graded motor imagery (GMI) on the affective components of pain and range of motion in subjects with chronic shoulder pain syndrome. DESIGN: Open-label single-arm prospective study. SETTING: The Physical Therapy Laboratory, Universidad de las Americas. SUBJECTS: One hundred seven patients with chronic shoulder pain syndrome. METHODS: The subjects received a six-week GMI program based on laterality training, imagined movements, and mirror therapy. We assessed pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), fear of movement was assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The patient's flexion active range of motion (AROM) was also recorded. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, the VAS showed a decrease of 4.2 cm (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.3), TSK showed a decrease of 17.0 points (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.8), catastrophizing showed a decrease of 19.2 points (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.2), and shoulder flexion AROM showed an increment of 30.3º (P < 0.000, Cohen's d = 1.6). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a short-term GMI program improves the affective components of pain and shoulder flexion AROM in patients with chronic shoulder pain syndrome.