Welcome to Neuro Talk. Please get another opinion. I was told "NO" by an orthopedic surgeon for surgery to correct my ankle, including joint and ligament replacement. Don't do this surgery without the very best information. The doctor is wrong. RSD can spred by cutting of anykind. Infusions sometimes do work to prevent the spred. Not all doctors know enough about RSD to make the recommendation. I will keep my ankle, sore as it gets, as i don't want to take any chances of making this burning worse. I really wish you all the best. I also hope you find a compassionate doctor, who knows alot about RSD. ginnie