Reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity. Clinical features and response to multimodal management.

Abstract

The weight of available evidence suggests that reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a complex clinical entity that (1) occurs predominantly in young adult women; (2) has five clinical types but presents most frequently as minor traumatic dystrophy; (3) has primary signs and symptoms (e.g., pain, edema, stiffness, and discoloration) that are expressed highly in each clinical type, whereas secondary signs and symptoms are variable; (4) responds well to treatment, regardless of its clinical 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 documentation of the variation of the clinical features of RSD may allow for its earlier diagnosis and treatment and thus significantly improve the chances for a successful outcome.