Acroosteolysis
Acroosteolysis (pronounced: ak-roh-oss-tee-ol-uh-sis) is a rare medical condition characterized by the resorption or dissolution of the distal phalanges of the hands and feet. The term is derived from the Greek words "akron" meaning extremity, "osteon" meaning bone, and "lysis" meaning dissolution or loosening.
Definition
Acroosteolysis is a condition that primarily affects the bones in the hands and feet, leading to their gradual resorption. This can result in deformities and functional impairment. The condition is often associated with other systemic diseases or conditions, such as scleroderma, psoriasis, or exposure to vinyl chloride.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acroosteolysis can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include pain and swelling in the affected areas, deformities of the fingers or toes, and in severe cases, loss of function. Other symptoms may include Raynaud's phenomenon, skin thickening, and joint stiffness.
Causes
The exact cause of acroosteolysis is unknown. However, it is often associated with certain systemic diseases such as scleroderma, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also occur as a result of exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, or as a result of certain genetic disorders, such as Hajdu-Cheney syndrome.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of acroosteolysis is typically made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI. The presence of characteristic changes in the bones of the hands and feet on imaging studies can help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment of acroosteolysis is primarily aimed at managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. This may involve medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve function, and in some cases, surgery to correct deformities.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acroosteolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Acroosteolysis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski