Sudeck's syndrome is a disease that leads to the gradual atrophy (dystrophy) of muscles and bone loss. If not healed in time, it may lead to the handicap of the diseased part of the body, and further to disability. Its development is primarily exposed to people after bone fractures, joint injuries or frostbite. What are the causes and symptoms of Sudeck's syndrome? How is the treatment going?

Sudeck syndromeis a disease that has many terms:complex regional pain syndrome ,algodystrophic syndrome, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, RDS, post-traumatic thinning or macular atrophy of bone. Its essence is the progressive atrophy of muscles and bones and stiffness of the joints. However, in order to distinguish Sudeck's syndrome from other dystrophic diseases, five elements should be identified: spontaneous pain, pressure soreness, physical symptoms of disturbances in local circulation, excessive sweating and local osteoporosis.

Sudeck syndrome - causes and risk factors

It is not known exactly what causes the Sudeck syndrome. It is presumed to be responsible for the abnormal activity of the sympathetic nerves, which innervate the damaged part of the body. However, the risk factors for the development of the disease are known.

The development of Sudeck's syndrome most often occurs after bone fractures, joint injuries, soft tissue contusions, frostbite, burns, and nerve damage. The disease usually affects the ankle joint and the bones of the wrist and hand - especially after fracture of the distal epiphysis of the radial bone, twisting the wrist joint and contusion of the fingertips. A factor contributing to the development of the disease is improperly and too tightly applied dressing, which causes the limb to be immobilized in the wrong position.

In addition, Sudeck's syndrome may appear in the course of ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease), after a heart attack or stroke (the so-called paralytic algodystrophy). Also, the use of drugs, e.g. barbiturates, cyclosporin A, anti-tuberculosis drugs, may contribute to the development of the disease (this is the so-called drug-induced algodystrophy).

Other risk factors include inflammatory skin conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hormonal imbalances.

Sudeck syndrome - symptoms

1. Hypertonic phase: continuesfrom 3 weeks to 2 months

  • strong, burning pain;
  • soft, limited swelling;
  • change of skin color to dark red or purple;
  • skin warming;
  • restriction of movement in the joints;
  • gradual muscle wasting;
  • spotted, irregular bone decalcification;

2. Dystrophic phase: lasts from 6 weeks to 4 months

  • moist, cool, thin skin;
  • brittle and brittle nails;
  • hair loss on the diseased part of the body;
  • even more limited movement in the joints (contractures and stiffness in the joints appear);
  • progressive muscle wasting
  • increasing bone decalcification (seizure of the bone structure occurs);

3. Atrophic phase: lasts 6 to 12 months

  • shiny skin;
  • total stiffness of the joints;
  • complete atrophy of muscles and bone structure;

Sudeck syndrome - diagnosis

An X-ray image is taken, which shows the phase of bone loss. Bone scintigraphy is useful in diagnosing the disease. Also helpful is the statementallodynii(pain even when touched very lightly) and / orhyperpathy(severe prolonged pain caused by repeated weak or moderate stimuli) .

Sudeck syndrome - treatment

Treatment of Sudeck's syndrome includes:

  • painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • vitamin C supplementation;
  • preparations improving blood circulation and bone calcification;
  • physical therapy: lignocaine-calcium iontophoresis, cryotherapy, laser therapy, diadynamics, magnetotherapy;
  • local lignocaine injections;
  • exercises for the diseased part of the body;
  • sympathectomy - this procedure destroys the nerves in the sympathetic nervous system to increase blood flow and reduce pain. It is performed in exceptional situations;

Successful treatment depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Category:

Spine, bones, joints