25.05.10 - Spontaneous onset of CRPS

CRPS is usually preceded by a trauma like a fracture, inflammation or operation. In 3-11% of all cases however the disease develops spontaneously. The existence of spontaneous onset CRPS is heavily criticised.

De Rooij and others (LUMC Leiden) compared ‘spontaneous’ CRPS patients with trauma related CRPS patients. The results have been published in the European Journal of Pain.

On average the ‘spontaneous’ CRPS patients were 9 years younger than the trauma related patients when the disease started. Furthermore CRPS lasted longer in case of spontaneous onset. The two groups did not differ on the number and frequency of the symptoms.

Title: Spontaneuous onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: A.M. de Rooij, R.S.G.M. Perez, F.J. Huygen, F. van Eijs, M. van Kleef, M.C.R. Bauer, J.J. van Hilten en J. Marinus
In: European Journal of Pain
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