Case 229: Burn-related Global Ankylosis of Interphalangeal Joints with Associated Acroosteolysis

Lost bones: differential diagnosis of acro-osteolysis seen by the pediatric rheumatologist

INTRODUCTION

Acro-osteolysis is a radiographic finding which refers to bone resorption of the distal phalanges. Acro-osteolysis is associated with various conditions and its presence should prompt the clinician to search for the underlying etiology. The aim of this review is to discuss disorders with which acro-osteolysis is associated and their distinguishing features, with a focus on the pediatric population.

METHODS

A targeted literature review was performed using the term "acro-osteolysis" in combination with other key terms. The primary search results were supplemented using reference citations. Articles published prior to the year 2000 were included if they described additional associations not encountered in the more recent literature.

RESULTS

Genetic disorders (particularly primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and skeletal dysplasias) and rheumatic diseases (particularly psoriatic arthritis and systemic sclerosis) are the most frequently encountered conditions associated with acro-osteolysis in children. Hyperparathyroidism, neuropathy, local trauma and thermal injury, and spinal dysraphism should also be included in the differential diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Although acro-osteolysis is uncommon, its presence should prompt the clinician to consider a differential diagnosis based on clinical and radiographic features.

Mimickers of Hill-Sachs Lesions [Formula: see text]

The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging appearance, etiology, clinical features, and treatment of rare presentations of common bone and joint diseases known to mimic Hill-Sachs lesions. Knowledge of uncommonly encountered manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic joint, hyperparathyroidism, hydroxyapatite deposition disease, malignant bone tumors, and benign bone cysts which mimic traumatic Hill-Sachs lesions is important for radiologists to guide the clinical care of patients who present with shoulder symptoms.

Bilateral Spontaneous Bony Ankylosis of the Elbow Following Burn: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction:

Ankylosis of a joint could be intra-articular or extra-articular. Intra-articular ankylosis may be fibrous or bony. Soft tissue contracture and heterotopic ossification area common finding in patients with a deep burn around the joints. Intra-articular bony ankylosis after burn is uncommon, but a possible complication and we present a rare case with bilateral elbow involvement.

Case Report:

A 35-year-old female presented to us with contracture of both the elbows. She had a history of severe accidental thermal burn involving mainly the front of both the upper limbs 6months back. She developed burn contracture of both elbows. X-rays of both elbows showed bony fusion.

Conclusion:

Spontaneous bony fusion occurs in various pathologies, some are well known, but some are rare and unusual. Development of soft tissue contracture in deep burn is quite typical, followed by extra-articular ankylosis, but true spontaneous bony fusion can also occur. The possibility of spontaneous bony fusion in deep burn injuries around the joint should be kept in mind by both plastic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons.