Amputation as treatment for RSD

Amputation as treatment for RSD

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to call upon your input in replying to an e-mail I received
from an individual regarding amputation as treatment for RSD.

As most of you know RSD has been around for a long time, and amputation for
treatment has most often let to spread to the remaining extremities. However,
there has been a small few who have had success with amputation performed in
the ideal manner. This individual has come across articles that advocate
amputation in the early stages for the highest probability of success in
treatment by amputation.

This is also a quality of life and work issue for this person and treatments
to date have been: Sympathetic nerve block, Neurontin, Lyrica [a newer drug,
similar to Neurontin with fewer side effects], Vicodin, Percocet, Lortab,
Oxydocone a Fentayl patch, and physical therapy.

At this time pain extends above the knee and downward to the foot, with
pronounced atrophy throughout the extremity, but more pronounced in the lower
leg, and very sensitive.

Given the volume of published reports of the negative results of amputation
as a treatment for RSD most surgeons are reluctant to even discuss the
consideration of this option.

Is there anything new and recent on this topic that could be shared with
this person in responding to their e-mail?

Thank you,

 Al Pike, CP