Algodystrophy: pathophysiological considerations

Algodystrophy can follow a wide variety of painful disorders and the Sympathetically Maintained Pain (SMP) syndromes form a chapter of medicine which is far more important than generally considered. The abnormal central sensitization of internucial pools of spinal neurones must be considered as the crucial element of these painful states. Treatment must be carried out in the first phase in order to minimize the state of spinal hypersensitivity.