[Algodystrophy of the upper extremity]

Algodystrophy is a pathological syndrome of the limbs caused by a disturbance of the neurovegetative system of which the main consequence is a disorder of the regulation of the regional micro-circulation: pain, functional loss of use of a limb segment and the secondary appearance of trophic disorders with joint stiffening are the main symptoms of this disease. Among the etiologies, traumatic causes are first considered without forgetting nervous, visceral and drug induced causes. The treatment is based on pain killers, vascular medications, beta-blockers and Calcitonin. In addition to active physical therapy, recent experiments permit to confirm the advantages of scottish baths.