Updated guidelines on complex regional pain syndrome in adults^✰

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Clinical Guidelines
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) of England's 2018 guidelines for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) management have been updated.
• A multidisciplinary team, including representatives from 28 professional bodies, collaborated on the guideline revision.
• The author's involvement represents the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the updated clinical guidelines for CRPS management.
• To highlight specific recommendations pertinent to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• To provide a concise overview for surgeons involved in CRPS patient care.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of the updated multidisciplinary guidelines for CRPS.
• Identification and extraction of recommendations relevant to plastic and reconstructive surgical practice.
• Focus on practical implications for the surgical management of CRPS.

Main Results:

• The updated guidelines offer comprehensive management strategies for CRPS.
• Specific considerations for plastic and reconstructive surgery within the CRPS pathway are detailed.
• The revised guidelines reflect current multidisciplinary consensus.

Conclusions:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons should be aware of the updated CRPS management guidelines.
• Integration of these guidelines can optimize patient outcomes in CRPS.
• The updated guidelines provide a vital resource for managing complex pain conditions in surgical practice.