• Amit Sharma, Kayode Williams, and Srinivasa N Raja.
• Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. amit1881@hotmail.com
• Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2006 Oct 1;19(5):566-72.

Purpose Of ReviewThe paper is a critical appraisal of recent advances in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. Rapidly changing concepts related to the pathophysiology of this disease has transformed its current management and necessitates an updated review of the literature.Recent FindingsChronic regional pain syndrome is a perplexing disease that continues to challenge researchers with respect to its cause and treatment. Recent modification to diagnostic criteria has enabled clinicians to diagnose this disease in a more consistent fashion. Emerging data indicate a possible role of inflammation in the overall pathophysiology and have led to treatment trials with newer anti-inflammatory medications. Certain 'conventional' interventional techniques have been recently scrutinized. A few novel therapeutic options like graded imagery are also outlined.SummaryEnhanced insight into the pathophysiology of chronic regional pain syndrome has modified current clinical practice and the focus of research. Certain 'standard' therapeutic options for chronic regional pain syndrome have failed the test of time while others have prevailed. New options have recently been evaluated and have shown promising early results. Knowledge of recent advances in chronic regional pain syndrome will help pain physicians provide optimal care to these patients.

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