[Algodystrophy of the spine].

From a personal case, the author reviews the literature on the subject of algodystrophy of the spine, 20 cases of which have been reported. This is one of the forms of "Kümmel-Verneuil syndrome, a clinical entity which has been unjustly neglected for 30 years. The diagnosis of spinal algodystrophy is easy when preceded or followed by a typical algodystrophy of the peripheral joints. It is much more difficult or even impossible if the algodystrophy only involves the spine. The positive diagnosis is based on specific criteria but one must always rule out spinal affections of inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic nature. The treatment is simple, including a brief immobilisation of the spine during the painful phase with calcitonin associated with an early and cautious physical therapy.