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Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

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Trauma and Orthopaedic Classifications

Abstract

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (also known as complex regional pain syndrome) is characterized by intense burning pain, swelling, stiffness and discoloration and most usually affects the hands but also the arms, legs and feet. Symptoms most commonly occur after injury or surgery. Other causes include pressure on a nerve, infection, cancer, neck problems, stroke, or heart attack. The syndrome is attributed to a “short circuit” in the nervous system which causes overactivity of the sympathetic (unconscious) nervous system and affects blood flow and sweat glands in the affected area. Two types of Reflex Sympathetic dystrophy syndrome exist

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Correspondence to Peter V. Giannoudis BSc, MB, MD, FRCS .

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© 2015 Springer-Verlag London

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Giannoudis, P.V., Lasanianos, N.G. (2015). Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. In: Lasanianos, N., Kanakaris, N., Giannoudis, P. (eds) Trauma and Orthopaedic Classifications. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6572-9_120

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6572-9_120

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-6571-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-6572-9

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