CRPS-DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

SUMMARY

VASCULAR
1. Limb ischemia.
2. DVT.

INFECTION
3. Cellulitis.
4. Abscess/collections.

CRYSTAL ARTHROPATHY
5. Gout.

NEUROPATHIC
6. Nerve root injury, neuroma.
7. Referred pain.

MSK (SHOULDER PATHOLOGY RELATED TO UL CRPS)
8. Inferior shoulder subluxation: increased gleno-humeral gap distance.
9. Rotator cuff tear: during adduction look for a positive drop-arm test (indicates complete tear of supraspinatus tendon).

10. Impingement syndrome: painful arc (70^o: 90^o).

11. Adhesive capsulitis: external rotation < 15^o.

12. Bicipital tendonitis: positive Speed & Yorgason’s test.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.