Two Cases of Double Crush Syndrome Progressing to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

The double crush syndrome is described as an increased risk of distal nerve injury after a more proximal injury. This was a case series of two patients who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome under circumstances when a double crush phenomenon could have occurred. Both initially had spinal stenosis and subsequent spinal surgery. Both later had crush injuries to a unilateral lower extremity, which progressed to CRPS. There is no documented correlation between double crush syndrome and CRPS; however, these cases raise awareness about a heightened propensity for CRPS in such patients, which will lead to earlier, accurate diagnosis and treatment.