Melorheostosis in a Pediatric Patient

Melorheostosis is a nonhereditary and uncommon condition that can affect both adults and children. It can appear on radiographs as increased sclerosis on bones of the upper and lower extremities and may mimic other bony conditions such as osteopoikilosis, osteopetrosis, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and osteopathia striata. The sclerotic appearance can differ greatly between adults and children. The skin and subcutaneous tissues may be affected by fibrosis, resulting in contractures of joints and limbs that lead to deformities and limb-length discrepancies. This article reviews the literature on melorheostosis and describes a case in a 10-year-old boy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 167–170, 2005)