AMPUTATION AND REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by chronic burning pain, restricted range of motion, oedema and vasola bility. Patients are difficult to treat and the prognosis is very ofte n poor. This report emphasizes that an amputation in case of a reflex sympathetic dystrophy is mostly due to a too late recognition of this syndrome. In the international literature little is written about an a mputation as a therapy for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. It is only me ntioned as a therapy in the end stages of this syndrome. Sometimes a r ejected amputation, as in this case report, can have a relatively good result. An early recognition of this pain syndrome produces the best possible outcome.