[The value of laser Doppler examination of differential diagnosis of the Sudeck syndrome with local osteoporosis after tibia fracture].

The fractures of the shaft of the tibia were analyzed in 120 cases. The level of the osteoporosis in the radiological examination was assessed in comparison to the healthy limb. Osteoporosis was recorded in 60.6% of the cases. The clinical symptoms of the Sudeck syndrome was recorded in 11.25% of the cases. The Laser-Doppler examination was carried out in 120 cases. A standard 3 points measurement was employed: the apex of the toe, the flexion-dorsal part of the foot, and the medial part of the mid tibia length. The examination was done comparatively on both limbs. The pressure used in the occlusion, was 100 mm Hg higher than the pressure on the humeral artery. A faster and higher amplitude post-occlusion circulation reaction in the affected limb, among the patients with an early stage of the clinically diagnosed Sudeck syndrome had been recorded. The outcome is significant statistically. The Laser-Doppler measurement of the microcirculation is a new method and definite conclusions must be draw with caution. However, these results encourage further research.