Publication
Title
Pseudodystrophy of the ankle and lower leg in a 9-year-old girl
Author
Abstract
A 9-year-old girl presented with pain, swelling, redness and functional impairment of the left foot after a minor trauma. Clinical assessment revealed atrophy of the left calf and cyanosis and coldness of the left foot. Bone scintigraphy showed diffusely decreased tracer uptake in the left lower leg. Further examinations were normal. Pseudodystrophy was diagnosed and intensive physiotherapy was started. This resulted in complete functional recovery. Pseudodystrophy is typically found in children, adolescents and young women. The clinical features usually include severe pain at a joint or part of a limb with major functional disability, cyanosis, coldness and oedema or atrophy. This is caused by disuse of the affected limb after a minor trauma. The physical lesions may be improved or cured by means of intensive physiotherapy, sometimes combined with medication. As psychogenic factors often play an important role, one of the important elements of treatment is psychotherapy. The most important differential diagnosis is reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). The distinction can be made by bone scintigraphy.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Acta orthopaedica Belgica. - Bruxelles, 1946 - 2002
Publication
Bruxelles : 2009
ISSN
0001-6462
Volume/pages
75 :3 (2009) , p. 420-422
ISI
000267608600022
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 01.09.2009
Last edited 04.03.2024
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