Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in children

This report presents the case of an 8-year-old boy who underwent a second clubfoot operation following early-stage reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). After other conditions had been ruled out, the patient was submitted to physiotherapy supported by antiphlogistic and analgesic drugs as well as a partial immobilisation of the affected extremity. He remained asymptomatic during the following 4 weeks. RSD in children is not a well-recognised entity. This case of early-stage RSD illustrates the need to be aware of this possible complications after operation in the differential diagnosis of local pain and swelling of a limb. Received: 13 January 1998