Algodystrophy is an early complication of Colles' fracture. What are the implications?
One hundred patients who had sustained a Colles' fracture were observed for features of algodystrophy at 1, 5, 9 and 12 weeks following injury. The diagnosis of algodystrophy was possible as soon as 1 week after fracture. Early diagnosis has important clinical implications: the aetiological factors may become apparent and different treatment modalities be identified; furthermore, early treatment can be started, limiting the morbidity of the condition. It is proposed that patients with features of algodystrophy require physiotherapy after a Colles' fracture. Those without features may not.
Field
J
J
University Department of Orthopaedics, Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK.
Atkins
R M
RM
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003100:Colles' Fracture / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors