Clinical experiences with post-traumatic fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is a musculoskeletal problem that has become more and more widely recognized. There are three types: primary (PFS idiopathic), secondary (associated with another disorder), and post-traumatic (PTFS). The latter condition, PTFS, is especially intriguing since quite often litigation is involved, and doubt is cast as to whether the patient is actually suffering. Accusations of malingering have been made. A retrospective chart review of 14 PTFS patients was made in an effort to ascertain the likelihood of malingering. Over the past two years, 14 patients (three male, 11 female) were treated for PTFS. The mean age was 37 years for both men and women. All had classic PTFS with a chronic musculoskeletal problem that started immediately after a traumatic event, classic myofascial tender points, poor sleep, and normal standard laboratory tests. Twenty-three per cent went to trial; 77 per cent settled out of court. All were given a monetary award. The vast majority (77 per cent) returned to a rheumatologist for continued treatment, suggesting that patients who meet strict FS criteria are not malingering and are indeed in need of medical help.