Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) is a syndrome with pain and signs of autonomic dysfunction after trauma or immobilization. The pathophysiological mechanisms of CRPS I remain unknown. However, signs of autonomic dysfunction and abnormal pain sensation were recently reported after artificial immobilization in a study using human volunteers and animals. Immobilization is one of the contributing factors for development of signs of CRPS I. We report 3 patients who had a history of physician-imposed immobilization following surgery or trauma. All patients were evaluated by the current IASP diagnostic criteria for CRPS. Two of the 3 patients were fixed with a cast or a splint. The duration of immobilization was 8 to 12 weeks. Physicians and patients need to be educated on the importance of early mobilization following surgery or trauma.
