Algodystrophy after Colles fractures is associated with secondary tightness of casts.
We describe a direct method of measuring the tightness of plaster casts. Tightness was measured weekly in 23 consecutive patients with Colles' fractures. Six had objective signs of algodystrophy nine weeks after the fracture. In these patients the plaster cast was significantly tighter during the first three weeks than in patients who did not develop algodystrophy. The complex relationship between these findings is discussed.
Field
J
J
University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK.
Protheroe
D L
DL
Atkins
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003100:Colles' Fracture / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors