Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the knee following meniscectomy

Three cases are reported in which severe pain and tenderness, color and temperature changes, and patchy osteopenia developed after meniscectomy. These clinical and radiographic features, combined with positive scintigraphs and a typical synovial histologic appearance, suggested a reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (Sudeck's atrophy). This finding has not been reported previously as a complication of meniscectomy.