[New aspects of post-traumatic dystrophy syndrome?]

Posttraumatic dystrophy (PTD) is a syndrome that involves both neurological symptoms and microvascular abnormalities. A total of 44 consecutive patients seen for the first time with PTD were investigated. In 42 patients X-rays were taken: of the cervical spine in the case of PTD of the hand, and of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine in the case of PTD of the foot. Two patients refused this investigation. In all 44 patients microvascular functions were investigated by means of transcutaneous oximetry, laser Doppler flow metering and capillary microscopy. In 34 of 42 patients radiographical disturbances of the vertebral column were noted, 19 of them on the same side as the affected extremity. Patients with a sensation of warmth in the affected extremity during the investigations exhibited a different microvascular behaviour than patients with a cold feeling. Both groups had different microvascular outcomes from healthy volunteers.