Bone scanning and diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy secondary to herniated lumbar disks

In two cases, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) was due to herniated intervertebral disk at L4-5. In both cases, bone scanning with technetium 99m pyrophosphate was of value and its use is recommended in diagnosing mild or early cases of RSD. RSD may be the cause of persisting pain after disk surgery.