Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - What Is the Evidence?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a controversial issue in medicine. This book provides the most up to date universal review of the construct known as CRPS. The authors review the history of the diagnosis and offer an evidence based criticism regarding the development of the CRPS nomenclature. Chapters contain information regarding the theories of causation and difficulties encountered in the lack of proper application of the differential diagnostic process. Finally, issues regarding impairment, disability and problems in the medico-legal arena are discussed in detail. The authors conclude that the construct known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a failure, and call for the cessation of the use of the term in medicine.

Veritas Medicus is the not for profit foundation of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians.  Standing for "Truth in Medicine", a focus area is to bring science and evidence-based practice to not only those who practice Disability Evaluation but also to other stakeholders involved in the medico-legal field.

We have witnessed a concerning lack of scientific rigor and proper medical approach regarding the formation, application and justification for the construct known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.  The time has come to set the record straight and call for the cessation of the use of this terminology so that attention can be turned towards a determination of what this is as opposed to what it is not.
Our goals were to put together the most comprehensive look yet at this construct known as CRPS.  Using experts in the field, we laboriously evaluated the literature and amassed a useful tool that clinicians, insurance carriers, attorneys and others will find helpful when dealing with patients who have been labeled with CRPS.

As the lead author and editor, the process was at the same time both grueling and satisfying.  This indeed is information that is long past due.  We hope that you find the book a resource that can be applicable in many situations.