Femoral lengthening by combined technique in melorheostosis: a case report

Abstract

Melorheostosis is a rare mesenchymal bone dysplasia characterized by a radiographic pattern of flowing hyperostosis along the cortex with sclerotomal distribution [1]. This condition is typically characterized by cortical hyperostosis and pain in the involved extremity, but can also be associated with soft tissue masses and limb discrepancies and deformities that may be additional sources of disability for those affected by this disease [2–4]. Characteristic radiographic findings can aid in establishing an accurate diagnosis [1, 5]. Cases of progressing and/or significant stiffness with limitations of motion, leg-length discrepancy, and limb deformity provide indications for operative treatment [6, 7]. Because of a low incidence of the disease, there are no universal recommendations for operative treatment of orthopedic complications of melorheostosis and the postoperative period. Thus, a surgeon faces the necessity of intervention with insufficient personal experience and lack of published results. We present a case of operative treatment of an 11-year-old boy affected with melorheostosis, who underwent a simultaneous lengthening and deformity correction of the left lower limb with Ilizarov frame in combination with intramedullary nailing.