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MELORHEOSTOSIS OF THE HAND: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

J. Michael Wiater

The Hand Service in the Section of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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Jeffrey C. King

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

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Dean S. Louis

The Hand Service in the Section of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Correspondence to: Dr Dean S. Louis, Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109.

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James Smith

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218810498000167Cited by:3 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

Melorheostosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by soft tissue contractures and sclerosis of bone. The sclerosis appears to flow along the long axis of the bone, akin to candle wax dripping down one side of a candle. Numerous reports of lower extremity involvement exist, but there are few detailed reports of melorheotosis involving the hand. This condition is benign but slowly progressive and can usually be managed conservatively. Loss of function of the hand from swelling, pain, or stiffness, however, may necessitate operative intervention. Two recent cases prompted a review of the literature relating to melorheostosis and the hand.