Reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, causalgia, Sudeck's atrophy, shoulder-hand syndrome, and transient osteoporosis represent a spectrum of sympathetic disturbances which typically present with regional findings. They are often pauciarticular in distribution and uniquely sensitive to timely therapeutic intervention and to preventative measures. Clinical and radiologic appearances are quite characteristic. Thermographic examination provides a valuable tool for monitoring the therapeutic response. The major factor in therapeutic efficacy is aggressive physical therapy. Although therapeusis has been facilitated by a multitude of agents, therapeutic resistance is unfortunately the circumstance, when intervention is delayed.