Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Surgery Follow-up

  • Author: Satishchandra Kale; Chief Editor: Mary Ann E Keenan, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 22, 2012
 

Deterrence/Prevention

Most cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in orthopedic practice can be prevented through early detection and early treatment. In most cases, a possible cause can be identified, such as overly tight bandages or plasters, a limb improperly splinted, or neglect of active movement of the part. The treating physician should be aware of and alert for compression syndromes of the underlying nerve or for swelling and pain resulting from a displaced bone fragment. The mainstay of treatment is mobilization of the affected part.

Prognosis

Eighty percent of patients with RSD diagnosed within 1 year of injury improve significantly. However, 50% of patients with untreated symptoms lasting more than 1 year have profound residual impairment.

Patient Education

Emphasize to all patients the importance of early and supervised mobilization of the affected part. Give patients a list of plaster instructions and a list of realistic goals to be achieved within a specified time interval. Any lag in achieving these objectives due to pain, swelling, or other causes should inspire concern leading to early diagnosis and institution of treatment.

 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Satishchandra Kale  MD, FRCS(UK), FRCS (Tr.& Orth.), M.Ch (Orth.), Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine(UK), MS(Orthopaedics), D.Ortho, MBA (International Business)

Satishchandra Kale is a member of the following medical societies: Bombay Orthopedic Society, British Orthopaedic Association, and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James F Kellam, MD  Vice-Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Director of Orthopedic Trauma and Education, Carolinas Medical Center

James F Kellam, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Samuel Agnew, MD, FACS  Associate Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Surgery, Chief of Orthopedic Trauma, University of Florida at Jacksonville College of Medicine; Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, McLeod Regional Medical Center

Samuel Agnew, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American College of Surgeons, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and Southern Orthopaedic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS  Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief of Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Mary Ann E Keenan, MD  Professor, Vice Chair for Graduate Medical Education, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief of Neuro-Orthopedics Program, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Mary Ann E Keenan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy following surgery for Dupuytren contracture.
Radiograph of affected extremity, depicting regional osteopenia contrasted with normal radiographic appearance of the opposite extremity.
 
 
 
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