EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN C IN PREVENTING REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY IN DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously termed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is characterized by disproportionate and persistent pain accompanied by vasomotor disturbances, trophic changes, regional osteoporosis, and functional impairment following injury. Objective: To evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplementation in preventing RSD following conservatively managed distal radius fractures. Methods: A comparative cohort study was conducted from March to October 2022 in four hospitals. A total of 100 patients aged 20–69 years with conservatively treated distal radius fractures were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients received vitamin C (500 mg/day), while 50 patients did not receive vitamin C. Patients with diabetes, pregnancy, or surgically treated fractures were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics and the occurrence of RSD were assessed during follow-up. Results: Of the 100 participants, 55% were female, 45% were male, and 68% were aged 40–69 years. Overall, 55 patients developed RSD, whereas 45 remained free of RSD. Vitamin C supplementation was significantly associated with a lower occurrence of RSD compared with no supplementation (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation at 500 mg/day was associated with a significantly reduced occurrence of RSD following conservatively managed distal radius fractures. Vitamin C may therefore represent a simple and inexpensive prophylactic strategy, although larger randomized studies with longer follow-up are recommended.