ALGODYSTROPHY IS AN EARLY COMPLICATION OF COLLES FRACTURE - WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS

One hundred patients who had sustained a Colles' fracture were observe d for features of algodystrophy at 1, 5, 9 and 12 weeks following inju ry. The diagnosis of algodystrophy was possible as soon as 1 week afte r fracture. Early diagnosis has important clinical implications: the a etiological factors may become apparent and different treatment modali ties be identified furthermore, early treatment can be started, limiti ng the morbidity of the condition. It is proposed that patients with f eatures of algodystrophy require physiotherapy after a Colles' fractur e. Those without features may not.