[Reflex-dystrophic pseudo-arthritis or Sudeck syndrome (author's transl) ]

Local bone- and tissue dystrophies identical with Sudeck's syndrome and progressing in 3 stages are called reflex dystrophies. In the 1st and 2nd stages complete recovery is possible, in the 3rd stage only irreversible dysptrophic-ankylosing defect-healing. Etiologic significance of causal factors discussed is not certain. In, initially similar, inflammatory and rheumatic arthritis often only the further course and radiologic appearance provide a diagnosis. So far we have no desirable clear definition of reflex dystrophic conditions.