Long-term outcomes of amputation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): a mixed-methods study
Authors' conclusion
In this cohort of severe, therapy-resistant CRPS, amputation was associated with meaningful improvements in QoL, disability, and pain in carefully selected cases, although complications remained common.
Study context
- Population
- CRPS patients who underwent limb amputation between 2003 and 2023 at Erasmus MC University Medical Center34 (87%) completed the survey
- Participants
- 39 patients
- Outcome
- Long-term outcomes: Quality of life (QoL), disability, pain and satisfaction (patient-reported questionnaires)
Methodological detailsmixed-methods study, single-centre
- Mixed-methods study
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Long-term QoL, disability, pain and satisfaction · median 6.4 years (IQR 3.0-11.7) after amputation
- SF-36 physical health summary score, mean (±SD)
- 45.4 (±26.1)
- SF-36 mental health summary score, mean (±SD)
- 67.7 (±22.3)
- Pain Disability Index score, mean (±SD)
- 29.3 (±15.1)
- Pain decrease at long-term follow-up, mean points
- 2.71 (1.76 to 3.65) (95% CI)
- Satisfied and would choose amputation again
- 94%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Pain decrease at short-term follow-up · median 5 months, IQR 2-6
- Pain decrease, mean points
- 3.54 (2.46 to 4.62) (95% CI)
Neurostimulator implant (subgroup)
- Neurostimulator status did not influence measured outcomes
Safety
Complications after amputation
- Residual limb pain
- 77%
- Phantom limb pain
- 85%
- CRPS recurrence in the stump
- 10%
Original publication
Long-term outcomes of amputation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): a mixed-methods study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 17 August 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →