Relationship between impairments, disability and handicap in reflex sympathetic dystrophy patients: a long-term follow-up study

Objective: To determine the relationship between impairments, disability and handicap in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) patients. Design: A long-term follow-up study of upper extremity RSD patients. Setting: A university hospital. Subjects: Sixty-five patients, 3–9 years (mean interval 5.5 years...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical rehabilitation 1998-10, Vol.12 (5), p.402-412
Main Authors: Geertzen, Jan Hb, Dijkstra, Pieter U, Sonderen, Eric Lp van, Groothoff, Johan W, Duis, Henk Jan ten, Eisma, Willem H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Biological and medical sciences
Disability
Disability Evaluation
Diseases of the nervous system
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Followup studies
Hand Strength
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pain
Patients
Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects)
Range of Motion, Articular
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - physiopathology
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
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Summary:Objective: To determine the relationship between impairments, disability and handicap in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) patients. Design: A long-term follow-up study of upper extremity RSD patients. Setting: A university hospital. Subjects: Sixty-five patients, 3–9 years (mean interval 5.5 years) after RSD of the upper extremity (mean age 50.2 years). Main outcome measures: Impairments: range of motion, moving two point discrimination, muscle strength of the hand and pain were measured. Disability was assessed with the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and handicap was assessed with three subscales (social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems and role limitations due to emotional problems) of the RAND-36. Results: After RSD of the upper extremity, 62% of the patients are limited in activities of daily living (ADL) and/or instrumental ADL (IADL). Pain and restrictions in forward flexion of the shoulder, thumb opposition and grip strength are the most important impairments limiting ADL and IADL. Patients with limitations in ADL and IADL are significantly more handicapped than patients without limitations. Pain is the most important factor contributing to handicap. Conclusion: The relationship between impairments and disability and between disability and handicap in RSD patients is weak to moderate. Pain is the most important factor leading to disability and handicap.
ISSN:0269-2155
1477-0873
DOI:10.1191/026921598676761735