REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY - TIMELY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CAN PREVENT SEVERE CONTRACTURES

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a clinical syndrome consisting of pers istent burning pain and varying degrees of vasomotor and trophic chang es in an extremity after trauma. Although several mechanisms have been proposed, none have been universally accepted. Historically, treatmen t has involved sympathetic blockade or sympathectomy to prevent the pr oposed sympathetic hyperactivity. However, only a limited number of co ntrolled studies have been conducted, and results have been controvers ial. The cornerstone of treatment is physical therapy to prevent the s evere contractures that can result.