We assess the finger joint stiffness by measuring the active range of motion of all metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of the involved hand with a hand goniometer. It is then compared with the normal hand for the effective range of total motion and thereby using it as a quantitative, qualitative, and reproducible method for early diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy after Colles’ fracture. It is sensitive and specific.
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2.
AtkinsRM, DuckworthT, KanisJA. Features of algodystrophy following Colle's fracture. J Bone Joint Surg Br1990;72:105–10.
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ZylukA.The usefulness of quantitative evaluation of three-phase bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of post traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy. J Hand Surg Am1999;24:16–21.
4.
ZylukA.A new clinical severity scoring system for reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper limb. J Hand Surg Am2003;28:238–41.
