Algodystrophy. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome

Abstract

Algodystrophy, which is commonly called "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome" in English literature, is a common but very often unrecognized disease of the locomotor apparatus. This condition is characterized by pain with a transient, inconstant pseudo-inflammatory appearance, affecting to a variable degree the different tissue layers of one or several joint areas. Algodystrophy is often difficult to diagnose because the disease mimics the different diseases of the locomotor apparatus. The etiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition is discussed.