Complex regional pain syndrome in nerve root compression and after spinal surgery

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an extremely painful and partially disabling disease. It often occurs secondary to trauma, but also spontaneously. The emergence of CRPS has been reported following nerve root compression and/or spinal surgery, but its incidence is unknown. In this article, the present knowledge about the incidence of CRPS in the context of nerve root compression and spine surgery is reviewed and therapeutic and diagnostic consequences are discussed.