Complex regional pain syndrome in burn pathological scarring: A case report and review of the literature

- Burn pathological scarring (PBPS) may be associated with chronic pain.
- Burn pathological scarring pain should be considered as a complex regional pain syndrome.
- Early recognition that burn pathological scarring pain is potentially a part of complex regional pain syndromes is crucial in effecting treatment.
- Patients with burn scar pain may benefit from thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Chronic pain in burn pathological scarring is not an uncommon occurrence. The mechanisms of pain are not clearly understood and hence the management approach is often a daunting task. However, meticulous physical examination of these patients may classify them as complex regional pain syndrome, type I. We present a patient with classic signs and symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome associated with burn pathological scarring of her left forearm that had a favourable response to a thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The possible pathological mechanisms of burn pathological scarring, mechanisms of pain, and complex regional pain syndrome are reviewed.