What are the notable plain X ray findings in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
The characteristic radiologic appearance is soft tissue swelling and regional patchy or mottled osteopenia. This appearance is especially evident when comparing the involved side with the contralateral side. This x-ray pattern was first described by Sudeck in 1900 and is often referred to as Sudeck’s atrophy. This patchy osteopenia is helpful in making the diagnosis but is actually seen in <50% of patients in most series.
