What is Sudeck atrophy and when can it occur?

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atrophy One example of atrophy is the progressive loss of bone that occurs in osteoporosis (normal bone shown on left; osteoporotic bone shown on right).

Sudeck atrophy is a form of local osteoporosis characterized by the thinning of bone tissue and a decrease in mineral content.1

It can occur rapidly in the area surrounding a bone injury. This condition is distinct from general disuse atrophy, as it specifically manifests as a localized loss of bone density following trauma to the skeletal structure.1