REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY SYNDROME OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY - ANALYSIS OF TOTAL OUTCOME OF MANAGEMENT OF 125 CASES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (11) , 549-554
Abstract
Case histories of 125 patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the upper extremity were reviewed. There was a 2.9:1 female preponderance. Twenty-four patients had documented litigation pending; it did not alter the final outcome significantly. On medical records, progress was noted for 86 patients with 16% having excellent results, 35% good, 26% satisfactory, 6% fair and 17% poor (all subjective evaluations by treating physicians). Median duration of follow-up prior to this study was .apprx. 2.5 mo. Median duration between last clinic visit and follow-up study was 14.5 mo. Follow-up letters sent to 123 patients who were believed to be alive showed that 4 patients had died; 77 (63%) replied. The majority of patients (53/77) reported that they still had pain in the shoulder or hand, but 68% were taking no medications and only 15.3% (12) were taking narcotics; 28 patients (36%) claimed they were continuing physical therapy at home, and 24 (31%) retired or did not go back to the same work. Thirty-five percent were officially disabled, 30% were back at their same jobs and 29/59 female patients (49%) were able to do all the housework. Eighteen patients (23) were able to return to 100% daily activity, 23 patients (30%) to 75% activity. Eleven patients (14%) had modified their activities considerably and were not able to do well.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: