The reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) consists of a triad of pain, edema and sympathetic dysfunction of an extremity following trauma, peripheral nerve injury or central nervous system disorder. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is a difficult and costly pain syndrome to treat. One of the difficulties in evaluating treatment efficacy is the objectification and quantification of p...

The management of CRPS can be approached using objective criteria in a logical and systematic fashion. Frustration during treatment is common because: (1) the pathophysiology of CRPS is incompletely understood, (2) there is significant variation in presentation due to disparate premorbid anatomy and physiology, and (3) the natural history may be affected by incomplete treatment. Therapeutic eff...

Thirty-six patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy primarily affecting the knee were reviewed. Injuries or operation about the patellofemoral joint triggered its onset in 64% of patients. Co-existent mechanical derangement of the knee was present in 64% of patients. Those patients who underwent sympathetic blockade or sympathectomy within one year of onset of symptoms had significantly bette...