REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY SYNDROME

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is a troublesome, complex disord er that presents with chronic, unexplained aching or burning pain, the intensity of which is incommensurable with the original injury. Six d iagnostic criteria have been described by Genant et al1: pain and tend erness in the extremities; swelling of soft tissue; diminished motor f unction; trophic skin changes; vasomotor instability; and patchy osteo porosis. Currently, the most widely accepted etiology is an initial va somotor reflex spasm occurring after an injury to the extremity, follo wed by a loss of vascular tone, persistent vasodilation, and rapid bon e resorption.2