Ranking of three-phase bone scintigraphy for early diagnosis of Sudeck's atrophy

Purpose: In a prospective study the value of the three-phase bone scintigraphy in the early diagnosis of Sudeck's atrophy was analysed. Material and methods: 137 patients with the clinical suspicion on Sudeck's atrophy in stage I were examined. By means of the clinical course and additional examinations (block response), pain experts confirmed the diagnosis separately. Results: With the findings of hyperperfusion of all 5 phalanges, homogeneous hyperaemia of the affected hand or the foot and periarticular increased uptake of the whole extremity a reliable diagnosis of Sudeck's atrophy was possible. The sensitivity was 95.9%, the specificity 100 %. With bone scintigraphy Sudeck's atrophy could be clearly differentiated from an inactivity atrophy. Conclusion: Three-phase bone scintigraphy is an excellent tool for the objective diagnosis of Sudeck's atrophy in stage I.