Intrathecal management of complex regional pain syndrome: A case report and literature.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition typically resulting from a traumatic event. Pain control in these patients is often difficult and requires a multimodal approach. Our objectives are to present a single intrathecal pain management regimen for CRPS and provide a literature review of intrathecal pain management options in CRPS.

METHODS: Case report from an academic pain management clinic.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 29-year-old female with a past medical history of multiple lumbar spine surgeries and lumbar post-laminectomy syndrome who presented to clinic with CRPS type II of the bilateral lower extremities. After failing conservative measures, she underwent placement of a successful intrathecal drug delivery system.

CONCLUSION: The use of intrathecal medications is useful for pain control in CRPS patients.

IMPLICATIONS: We provide a framework for treatment of CRPS, which could be useful for practitioners dealing with this difficult and painful condition.