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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
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Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia



- Discussion:
    - multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (a common type of osteochondrodysplasia) is
          characterized by disturbance of normal ossification w/ in epiphysis;
          - pathologic abnormality is a disturbance in enchondral ossification of epiphyses and physes;
    - is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity;
    - disorder is manifested as multiple areas of abnormal growth and ossification of the epiphysis;
    - dz tends to be bilaterally symmetrical and to affect predominantly hips, knees, ankles, and wrists;
    - irregularities of joint surfaces often lead to degenerative arthritis, w/ significant disability
            by third or fourth decade;
    - diminution in stature is present although not severe, ranges from 145 to 170 cm in adults;
    - not often manifestated until age 5-14 yr;
    - hips, knees, & ankles are affected primarily;

- Diff Dx:

- Radiographs:
    - milder form (Ribbing) and a more severe form (Faibank) exist;
          - diagnosis is based on radiographic characteristics;
    - in severe type of this disorder, the epiphyseal ossification centers are small and frequently fragmented;
    - irregular and or delayed ossification at multiple epiphyses
    - ossific centers appear late and are fragmented and irregular;

- Clinical Manifestations:

    - spine:
              - T12/L1 notching and deformed ring apophysis;
    - shoulders:
              - up to 1/3 can expect to have shoulder symptoms sometime during their lives;
              - many will remain asymptomatic until middle age, when DJD
                causes bilateral symmetric pain with minimal loss of motion;
    - hands:
              - short, stunted metacarpals/metatarsals;

    - hips:
              - irregular femora which is bilateral and symmetric, is not assoc w/
                      metaphyseal cysts, and commonly has early acetabular changes;
                      - coxa vara may occur;

                       

    - knees:
              - genu valgum is common (consider early osteotomy);
              - abnormal normal ossification (tibial "slant sign"
              - flattened femoral condyles;

    - ankles:  



Early diagnosis of Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia.
      Ingram, R.R., Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 1992; 12: 241-244.

Avascular necrosis of the hip in Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia.
      Mackenzie, W.G., Basset, G.S., Mandell, G.A., Scott, C.I.
      Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. 1990; 9: 666-671.

Development of the hip in Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia.
      Treble,N.J.,Jensen,F.O.,Bankier,A.,Rogers,J.G.,Cole,W,G.
      JBJS. 1990; 72-B: 1061-1064.










Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.