Reflex sympathetic dystrophy after clavicle fracture: case report.

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Neurology

Background:

• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), now known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a poorly understood condition.
• RSD of the anterior chest wall is exceptionally rare in medical literature.

Observation:

• The study identified two unique cases linking clavicle fractures to anterior chest wall pain syndrome.
• A comprehensive literature review from 1966 to the present found no prior reports of this specific association.

Findings:

• The findings suggest a potential, previously undocumented relationship between clavicle fractures and the development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the anterior chest wall.
• Anatomical variations of supraclavicular nerves concerning the clavicle are discussed as a possible contributing factor.

Implications:

• This research may prompt a reevaluation of diagnostic and treatment protocols for anterior chest wall pain, especially in patients with clavicle fractures.
• Further investigation into the neuroanatomy and pathophysiology is warranted to understand this rare pain syndrome better.