Are the four diagnostic criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome unable to exclude confounding conditions ( `` mimics '' )?
A variety of conditions, including cramps, positional discomfort, and local leg pathology can satisfy all four diagnostic criteria for RLS and thereby "mimic" RLS by satisfying the four diagnostic criteria. Definitive diagnosis of RLS, therefore, requires exclusion of these other conditions, which may be more common in the population than true RLS. Short of an extended clinical interview and workup, certain features of presentation help differentiate mimics from true RLS.
Fusion takedown is a challenging procedure that should only be performed by experienced surgeons after extensive discussion with the patients. The clinical outcomes are good with overall patient satisfaction, but complication rates are high including risk of repeat fusion or amputation.