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Sudeck atrophy

Case contributed by Maryam salhab
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Severe hand pain and swelling post radial fracture.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Multifocal patchy osteopenia and subperiosteal resorption involving the distal radius, ulna, carpal, metacarpal and phalangeal bones, associated with diffuse soft tissue swelling of the hand.

The joint spaces are preserved.

Sclerotic line at the distal radial metaphysis, related to the patient fracture.

Case Discussion

Although the diagnosis is clinical, this case represents a typical example of sudeck atrophy, it's differentiated from disuse osteopenia by the presence of edema, bone resorption and absence of pain.

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