I am glad there has been a physiatrist on board. They definitely have an approach aimed at improving function and finding mechanical problems. It's good to see there was imaging and EMG also. But I am so sorry to read they think the allodynia came from that. Ugh.

I think the plan to treat as CRPS while searching for any other issues is a sound one. It is worth the effort to check everything out. Who wants to go through life with pain that might have been improved with a little more searching? And addressing the pain in the meantime keeps those pathways from developing as strongly.

The spinal cord tethering is an interesting idea and doesn't sound like a totally crazy one. Nerve root, the cord, etc are all prone to injury. If there is any non-invasive treatment that might be an option if there is cord swelling or adhesion I'd certainly look into it. Injections? active release therapy? oral steroids? yoga, nerve glides?

I am including a summary of work from Dr. Louise Oaklander on small fiber neuropathy findings in CRPS 1 patients. There is a very technical article on this but this is a quick report. Your wife's doc might be interested.
http://www.rsdhope.org/study-confirm...ps-type-i.html

Thanks for the well wishes. Please let us know what is decided and how it goes. There is always reason for hope. It sounds like your wife is getting great care and as we know, that really can make a difference.