Flare-ups may occur spontaneously. Irreversible tissue damage occurs. Skin is thin and shiny. Edema is absent. Contractures may occur.
Films show marked demineralization.
Others, however, dispute the need for an underlying personality disorder. A single, reliable, sensitive, and specific diagnostic test for RSDS is not available. They may, however, show osteoporosis as soon as 3-5 weeks after onset. Most authors feel that the best diagnostic approach is to use differential neural blockade. For cases involving an upper extremity, a stellate ganglion block may be diagnostic and therapeutic.