[Amputation of the hand as last resort in severe complex regional pain syndrome].

In very rare cases, a complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) of the hand can take a serious, chronic, incurable course. We describe the case of a 36-year-old patient who after reconstruction of a scaphoid fracture developed such a condition. 9 years after the operation an amputation of the hand was performed at the request of the patient after various expert opinions had been obtained and legal action against the insurance provider was successfully concluded. Amputation of the hand can be discussed as a last resort for relief of suffering in cases of severe CRPS I.