Melorheostosis

Case contributed by Rish Ratnalingam
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Painful left knee

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is cortical thickening involving the anterior surface of the distal femur and the lateral margin of the tibia. This predominantly involves the periosteal cortex, but the endosteal margin is also involved. Appearances result in thickened undulating ridges of bone reminiscent of flowing candle wax.

Case Discussion

Features in keeping with the dripping wax appearance of melorheostosis. The distribution of involvement is polyostotic but it conforms to a sclerotomal pattern.

The painful left knee is not thought to be related.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.