Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Criteria for Diagnosis and Treatment

Betcher, Albert M.; Casten, Daniel F.

doi:10.1097/00000542-195511000-00017

Cited by 26 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Participants described that the severity of the described symptoms present after the initial injury does not correlate with the incidence or severity of the symptoms of the resultant syndrome. This is in accordance with the studies reported by others (Betcher et al, 1955;Driessens, 1997). It is evident that pain was the most predominant phenomenon.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

The Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I on an Individual's Occupational Performance

Brincat

2004

The British Journal of Hand Therapy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This research study examined the effect of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type I, on a person's occupational performance. Ten subjects with a diagnosis of CRPS Type I were investigated by using a semi-structured interview followed by two standardised assessments: the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The COPM measured occupational performance, and the VAS measured pain intensity. Descriptive data on participants' views and their perspectives on responsibilities regarding work, leisure and self-care were collected. The effects of CRPS ranged from loss of movement, impairment in sensation, physical symptoms such as drowsiness and general malaise, hand function problems and a variety of emotional and psychological problems. Statistical analysis, which evaluated performance and satisfaction scores attained from the COPM showed a significant positive correlation between satisfaction and performance scores (r=0.982, p<0.05). A significant correlation was also found between performance and pain intensity and satisfaction and pain intensity. Results suggest that both the professional team together with CRPS I sufferers are insufficiently informed about this disease and its development. Within the local context, it was evident that there is lack of knowledge in relation to the condition. Therefore a medical oriented model of treatment is being followed, without consideration of patients' perceptions and needs. It is suggested that the management of CRPS I patients needs to be focused upon the individual. A further cross-sectional study would assist in the analysis of the physical and psychological effects of CRPS I on the individual.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

The Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I on an Individual's Occupational Performance

Brincat

2004

The British Journal of Hand Therapy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In addition, many physical therapy techniques for pain are designed to modify conditions that contribute only to the physiological component of pain, while ignoring the salient perceptual, affective, cognitive, and behavioral components [ZO]. The goal of RSD treatment is to reduce pain, to 0893-7524/!J1/$3.50 restore complete functional and anatomic integrity as quickly as possible, and to use the simplest therapeutic procedures possible [21]. Some investigators advocate nerve blocks and sympathectomies [ 19,241.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Multiple modalities may be employed, but are commonly based on trial and error and are not standardized as specific treatment protocols. Among both physical therapists and physicians, controversies exist regarding whether to use active versus passive range of motion, heat versus cold, contrast baths, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) [ restore complete functional and anatomic integrity as quickly as possible, and to use the simplest therapeutic procedures possible [21]. Some investigators advocate nerve blocks and sympathectomies [5, 16, 22, 231, whereas others employ physical therapy, with or without psychological counseling [ I , 9, 10, 241. A third group postulates that corticosteroids, with their effects on the microcirculation, are effective for RSD [18, 251, whereas others believe that TENS is useful [2--4.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in children A physical therapy approach

Wesdock¹,

Stanton

Singsen³

1991

Arthritis & Rheumatism

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Children with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) almost always receive physical therapy a s part of a multidisciplinary approach, but there is controversy about the efficacy of mciny ulternutive modalities. In a retrospective churt review of 24 females and 12 mules with 49 episodes of RSD (mean uge at onset, 13.4 years), the uverage time to correct diugnosis was 9.4 months (median, 4.2 months; range, 1-53 months). Sixteen ankles, 12 knees, eight wrists, two hips, und two shoulders were involved. Psychological assessments revealed significant abnormalities in 25 (83%)) of 30 children evaluated. Thirty-four of 36 children received physical therapy including a wide variety of nonstandardized cipproaches. Children with one to two episodes of RSD averaged 4.0 physical therapy modalities; unresolved cases had 8.9 modalities attempted. 7irne from the first RSD episode to resolution uveruged Y . 0 months in 6 9 O / O of children. Incorrect diagnoses prolonged many initial episodes; following correct diagnosis, symptom resolution occurred in 3.1 months. Recurrences are common, and 25% of children still exhibited RSD symptoms at last foilow-up.

show abstract

“…In order to avoid these problems, several classification systems have been introduced which assess the severity of the syndrome, consider the probability of the diagnosis being correct and recognize the existence of borderline forms. All of them are based on subjective assessment of symptoms and signs and involve the use of some system for rating the number, intensity and combination of symptoms and signs (Betcher and Casten, 1955;Bickerstaff and Kanis, 1994;Gibbons and Wilson, 1992;Kozin et al, 1981;Veldman et al, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Clinical Severity Scoring System for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy of the Upper Limb

Żyluk

2003

Journal of Hand Surgery

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A scoring system for the clinical severity of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is proposed. The following signs and symptoms were considered to be significant: pain, reduction of finger flexion, swelling, temperature changes, discolouration, sensory disturbances, shoulder pain and loss of movement, increased sweating, and hair/nail growth changes. One point was assigned for strong expression of most of these features, half a point for moderate expression and no point if the feature was absent. A total score of 4 points was assumed, empirically, to indicate a mild degree of RSD, and the maximum score of 10 to indicate the most severe form of RSD. One hundred and forty-six patients with RSD of the hand were classified according to this system. Seventy-four patients (51%) had a score of 4-6, 51 patients (35%) a score of 6.5-8, and 21 patients (14%) a score of 8.5-10. Use of this system will allow more precise analysis of RSD patients and facilitate comparisons between studies.

show abstract

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Criteria for Diagnosis and Treatment

Cited by 26 publications

References 0 publications

The Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I on an Individual's Occupational Performance

The Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I on an Individual's Occupational Performance

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in children A physical therapy approach

A New Clinical Severity Scoring System for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy of the Upper Limb

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About