[Algodystrophies of the limbs: physiopathology, preventive aspects]

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a complex disorder consecutive to trauma, with or without proven nerve lesions, and also following diseases of the central nervous system. Sympathetic nervous system often plays the first part in the genesis of this syndrome (sympathetically-maintained pain). Recent data and theories on the pathophysiology are developed, with special attention to the recent theory of reflex sympathetic dystrophy as a disease of the alpha-adrenoceptor. Finally, the authors tried to define some means of prevention with emphasis on preemptive analgesia and regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques.