Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is characterized mostly by: (burning) pain, restricted range of motion, oedema and autonomic disturbances. Amputations in case of RSD patients should only be performed in cases of a dysfunctional limb, life threatening conditions such as untreatable infections or in cases of unbearable pain. The authors describe a patient in whom amputation became inevitable because of threatening infections.
References
1.
DieussenP WClaassenA TPM.VeldmanP HJM.GorisR JA. Amputation for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. J Bone Joint Surg1995; 77B: 270–273
2.
ErdmannM WHWynn-JonesC H. “Familial” reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and amputation. Injury1992; 23: 136–138
3.
EyresK STalbotI CHardingM L. Amputation for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Br J Clin Pract1990; 44: 654–656
4.
GeertzenJ HBEismaW H. Amputation and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Prosthet Orthot Ira1994; 18: 109–111
5.
GeertzenJ HBDe BruunHDe Bruijn-KofmanA TArendzenJ H. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: early treatment and psychological aspects. Arch Phys Med Rehabil1994; 75: 442–446
6.
RrttM JPF.JansenW BJ. Armamputatie na posttraumatische dystrofie. Med J Delft1992; 4: 220–223
StamH JRust van derH. The results of amputation in reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity — an analysis of 7 cases. Eur J Phys Med Rehabil1994; 4: 134–136
9.
SwiftD WWalkerS A. The clenched fist syndrome: a psychiatric syndrome mimicking reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Arthritis Rheum1995; 38: 57–60
10.
Szeinberg-AraziDHeimMNadvornaHZiev NerISzeinberoAAzariaM. A functional and pshychosocial assessment of patients with post-Sudeck atrophy amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil1993; 74: 416–418
11.
VeldmanP HJM. Clinical aspects of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Catholic University Nijmegen. 1995, Thesis