A rare case of Trevor's disease (dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica) in the elbow

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica of the radial head: a rare case report

Background

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) is a rare benign overgrowth generally affecting the epiphyses and short bones of the lower limbs. DEH in the elbow joint is extremely rare, and to date, only three cases of DEH have been reported in the radial head.

Case presentation

In this study, we report a case of DEH located in the radial head of the right elbow of a 10-year-old boy, which was presented with elbow pain and limited range of motion. In clinical examination, an asymmetrical enlargement was observed over the elbow. The lesion was resected surgically, and the patient’s symptoms resolved afterward. The histologic analysis of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of DEH.

Conclusion

This report highlights the role of DEH in the differential diagnosis of elbow pathologies, particularly its differentiation from osteochondroma.

An unusual presentation of Trevor's disease at the ankle joint: Involvement of both medial and lateral epiphyses

INTRODUCTION

Trevor's disease, also known as dyplasia epiphysealis hemimelica, is characterised by osteochondromas arising from epiphyses. The disease typically affects one side of an epiphysis (usually the medial side).

CASE PRESENTATION

A case in whom both the medial and lateral sides of the epiphysis were involved is described. Thus, the use of the descriptor "hemimelica" is not always appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, Trevor's disease should be kept in mind during the differential diagnosis of patients with ankle pain and a mass. Other possible joints should be examined to explore multiple involvement. Surgical treatment, only on lesions causing impingements, may improve functional status and reduce pain.

Surgical features of Trevor's disease of the patella

The aim of this study was to describe surgical features of resection of hemimelic epiphyseal dysplasia of the patella. We already described the clinical and imaging features in another article. The patient was a six-year-old boy with a tumor in his right knee measuring 12 cm longitudinally and 6 cm transversally, which was adhering to the patella and had been slowly growing for two years. Biopsy findings were suggestive of a benign osteochondromatous lesion, without a defined diagnosis. Imaging examinations such as radiography and tomography showed areas of bone formation and radiotransparent areas, while magnetic resonance imaging showed areas of hypo and hypersignal in T1 and T2, of estimated size 8.5 cm longitudinally and 6 cm transversally. The tumor growth was surgically resected and curettage was performed on the epiphyseal nucleus of ossification of the upper and medial centers of the patella, with good patellar remodeling and normal development. The patient did not present any recurrence of the lesion up to the time of reaching skeletal maturity.