Skeletal manifestations of acquired generalized diabetic lipodystrophy: Seip-Berardinelli-Lawrence syndrome

Abstract

Generalized diabetic lipodystrophy is a very rare, congenital or acquired, condition caused by peripheral insulin resistance with a resulting disproportionate distribution of body fat and muscle tissue. Due to the potentially life-threatening side-effects, its internal manifestations are treated while orthopaedic problems are neglected. Skeletal manifestations have been described radiologically in the congenital form in children or young adults, but treatment options have not been discussed. Hand and foot deformities with corresponding radiological and clinical deformities in an adult with acquired generalized diabetic lipodystrophy have not been reported before. This disfigurement, together with the general orthopaedic aspect of a patient with this condition, are introduced in this paper and operative versus conservative treatment of the foot problems is discussed.