Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: misdiagnosis in patients with dysfunctional postures of the upper extremity.
The purpose of this case-control study was to assess the frequency of the inappropriate diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in patients who presented with dysfunctional postures of the upper extremity (n = 43). This group of patients with a dysfunctional posture was compared with a randomly selected control group of patients who presented with pain but no dysfunctional posture (n = 88). The patients underwent radiographic evaluation after review of previous medical records and history and physical examination. Patients with dysfunctional postures had a significantly higher frequency (63%) of a previous inappropriate diagnosis of RSD compared with the control group (6%). None of the patients in either group had objective findings consistent with a diagnosis of RSD. Patients presenting with dysfunctional postures of the upper extremity may be misdiagnosed as having RSD and rarely meet the criteria for this diagnosis.
Stutts
J T
JT
Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
Kasdan
M L
ML
Hickey
S E
SE
Bruner
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011187:Posture; D011897:Random Allocation; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis*