PubMed · 10093394
[The three-staged evolution of the post-traumatic algodystrophy].
Abstract
Algodystrophy is considered to develop in three consecutive stages: acute, dystrophic and atrophic. However, there is little evidence documenting this staging in large series of patients. In order to verify the natural history of this condition 30 patients with post-traumatic algodystrophy were observed during one year in prospective controlled fashion. Twenty-three females and 7 males of mean age 60 years were included in the study. All patients, except one, were in stage I of the disease with mean duration of 2,7 months. Fracture of the distal radius was the most frequent predisposing factor. The patients were reassessed at 6 and 13 month after initial diagnosis. A group of 64 patients with algodystrophy subjected to the treatment was also reviewed in search for three-stage evolution of the condition. Of 30 non-treated patients 27 completed the study. Three patients were subjected to the treatment due to persistence or worsening of symptoms. In 26 patients (87%) most of symptoms withdrew at 13 months. In 1 patient some features at final assessment were suggestive of stage II of the disease. Of the 64 treated patients, 2 had developed stage II and in 4 condition persisted at the same stage 12 months. The study suggests that progressive, three-staged course of algodystrophy occurs less frequently than it was earlier suspected. In most cases the condition resolves spontaneously.
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A Zyluk. 1998. [The three-staged evolution of the post-traumatic algodystrophy].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10093394/
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