Melorheostosis and a review of the literature in China

A Unique Case of Melorheostosis Presenting with Two Radiologically Distinct Lesions in the Shoulder

“…It is characterized by hyperostotic linear bone densities and soft tissue contractures and ossification [ 7 ]. So far, 313 and 223 cases have been reported in the international and Chinese literature, respectively [ 5 ]. The reported age range of presentation for melorheostosis is between 1 and 63 years of age [ 8 ], which is consistent with our patient's age.…”

“…It is characterized by cortical bone thickening resulting in irregular hyperostosis that appears to flow down the length of the bone [ 4 ]. Radiologically, the appearances are often compared with dripping candle wax, and for this reason, the condition is sometimes referred to as candle disease of the bone [ 5 ]. We present a unique case of melorheostosis presenting with two radiologically distinct lesions in the shoulder joint.…”

Localised melorheostosis

“…Surgical procedures consist of soft-tissue procedures such as tendon lengthening, excision of fibrous and osseous tissue, fasciotomy, capsulotomy, osteotomies and excision of hyperostoses, arthrodesis, and amputation. [1][2][3][4][5]7,8,14,19 When treating limb deformities associated with surgical treatments in melorheostosis patients, recurrences are common. We treated our patient initially with decompression of the hyperostosis which did not improve his symptoms.…”

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“…There is no effective conservative treatment [4,8]. The effect of oral medications, such as NSAIDS, nifedipine, bisphosphonates and pamidronate, was unclear [8,32]. Significant contracture and bone deformity are more likely to require surgeries [4].…”

“…Heterotropic bone formation as well as soft tissue calcification may lead to limb shortening in children, range of motion restriction, contracture, chronic pain and disability. Conservative treatment is often ineffective for this condition [8]. Surgeries, such as tendon lengthening, contracture release, excision of hyperostosis and even resurfacing procedure, are often used for managing intractable pain and deformity, in particular, in severe cases [9][10][11][12].…”