31. Posttraumatic dystrophy (algodystrophy) of the bone

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, Sudeck atrophy, or reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a condition where painful sensations in a limb are more prolonged or more severe than would be expected
• Classically occurs after trauma, but can occur after other conditions as well
• Clinical features
  • Excessive pain
  • Hyperesthesia
  • Vasomotor problems (hypo/hyperthermia, hypo/hyperpigmentation)
• Stages
  • Acute stage (stage I) (within a few weeks of trauma)
  • Subacute stage (stage II) (within a few months)
  • Chronic stage (stage III) (for years)
    • Skin and muscle atrophy
    • Constant pain
• Diagnosis
  • Triple-phase bone scintigraphy
• Treatment
  • Rest/immobilization
  • NSAIDs
  • Steroids
  • Physiotherapy