REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY - CLINICAL-FEATURES AND RESPONSE TO MULTIMODAL MANAGEMENT

The weight of available evidence suggests that reflex sympathetic dyst rophy (RSD) is a complex clinical entity that (1) occurs predominantly in young adult women; (2) has five clinical types but presents most f requently as minor traumatic dystrophy; (3) has primary signs and symp toms (e.g., pain, edema, stiffness, and discoloration) that are expres sed highly in each clinical type, whereas secondary signs and symptoms are variable; (4) responds well to treatment, regardless of its clini cal type; and (5) is managed best when treatment is started early. It can be concluded that RSD is a multifaceted disease that responds well when managed with a multimodal treatment program aimed at the various interacting components of the disorder. The recognition and documenta tion of the variation of the clinical features of RSD may allow for it s earlier diagnosis and treatment and thus significantly improve the c hances for a successful outcome.