Neurological Associates

Pain Management Center

Vero Beach, Florida

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RSD PUZZLE #119                                                                                                  RSD and Osteopenia

Osteopenia, which is different from osteoporosis, is seen quite frequently in RSD.

Osteoporosis means a diffused thinning of the bone with low calcium content. On the other hand, osteopenia refers to lacunes or holes containing blood in the bone due to CRPS (RSD). The commonest causes are surgical procedures, inactivity, and use of cast or brace.

The treatment of choice of osteopenia is mobilization, weight bearing, avoidance of prolonged bed rest, estrogen supplement, and foods that are rich in calcium. The best foods are cabbage, followed by yogurt and cheese (calcium tablets are not as effective).

Biphosphonates, such as Fosimax, also can be used for treatment.

Treatment of choice for osteoporosis is the same as above, but special estrogen supplement in women at any age is extremely helpful.

In serve cases osteopenia result in osteonecrosis which is commonly mistaken for osteomyelitis especially in facial bones and long bone.

Such serious error mistaken osteonecrosis (necrosis and melt-down of the bone) for osteomyelitis results in unnecessary treatment with large doses of antibiotics, and unnecessary surgery, curettage of the bone further aggravating the condition.

The golden rule of conservatism and avoidance of surgery, cast application, or ice treatment applied to this condition causes more complications for CRPS (RSD) than any other treatment.

H.Hooshmand, M.D.

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Copyright © 1997-2006 H. Hooshmand, M.D. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system other than this specific media, transcribed, or translated into any language without the expressed written permission from the author; H. Hooshmand, M.D. and Eric Phillips and CMNE. This material is for informational and education purposes. It is not meant to take the place of your physician. Before starting, changing, or stopping any treatments or medicines consult your physician.

Send e-mail to Eric Phillips: EricmP9512@aol.com with questions or comments about this media and content.

The material on the Neurological Associates Pain Management Center Homepage and all it's associated, linked or reference pages is for informational and education purposes. It is not meant to take the place of your physician. Before starting, changing, or stopping any treatments or medicines consult your physician. H. Hooshmand, M.D., Neurological Associates Pain Management Center and Associates will not be held liable for any damage or loss as a result of information provided on this page or associated documentation. Again, this WEB SITE is simply published as an information source and should not be used to treat or make judgments on RSD/CRPS. All associated material on this web site may not be copied, reproduced or quoted without expressed written permission from the owner; Copyright © 1999-2006 H. Hooshmand, M.D.

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This page was last updated on 3/11/2000.