The use of dolorimetry in the assessment of post-traumatic algodystrophy of the hand.

We have investigated the use of dolorimetry in the assessment of algodystrophy of the hand. Findings in 12 affected patients following Colles' fracture were compared with age- and sex-matched normal controls. Algodystrophy was associated with a significant increase in tenderness of both the finger joints and bones. Tenderness of the whole hand was quantified by summing the dolorimetry readings at each site within the hand and the ratio of the summed readings for the two hands was defined as the dolorimetry ratio. This ratio was highly reproducible and independent of external variables. It was significantly lower in patients with algodystrophy than in controls and may provide a method for the diagnosis and serial assessment of the disorder.