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RAPM FocusAuthor: BMJ Group
RAPM Focus is devoted to exploring the provocative and impactful aspects of the research published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (RAPM) - rapm.bmj.com. Authors are joined by Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Brian Sites, and other members of the RAPM Editorial Board to discuss and debate the findings that matter most for clinicians, patients, and policy makers. Topical coverage includes all aspects of acute, perioperative, transitional, and chronic pain medicine. At RAPM, we believe well-done pain medicine improves health and well-being. Thanks for joining us. @RAPM_Online Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Language: en-gb Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 48: Long-term outcomes of amputation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): a mixed-methods study
Thursday, 12 February, 2026
The management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) continues to challenge clinicians—especially when conservative and interventional strategies fall short. This episode of RAPM Focus, hosted by RAPM Editor and Social Media Editor Ryan D’Souza, MD, explores these challenges in managing CRPS with Daniël van der Spek, MD, and Frank Huygen, MD, PhD, FIPP, FFPMCAI, following the August 2025 publication of their original research paper, “Long-term outcomes of amputation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): a mixed-methods study.” In rare and severe cases, amputation has been proposed as a last resort intervention, but the topic remains completely controversial. How does one weigh the potential relief of unrelenting pain against the risk of further complications and disability from an amputation? This episode explores a fascinating, mixed-method study into the long-term outcomes of patients with CPRS undergoing limb amputation in hopes of pain relief, despite risks of residual pain or phantom limb pain. Dr. Daniël van der Spek is a medical doctor and PhD candidate at the Erasmus University Medical Center under the supervision of Professor Huygen his research focus is on CPRS with a particular emphasis on interventional pain management. Dr. Frank Huygen is an anesthesiologist and pain physician serving as the head of the Department of Pain Medicine at Erasmus University Medical Center, and has been a full professor since 2009. His expertise focuses on CPRS and neuromodulation. He leads multiple national and international research projects, and maintains close collaborations with CRPS patient organizations, in both the Netherlands and the United States. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others. Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.
