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Partial transient osteoporosis of the hand
S Bianchi1, I F Abdelwahab, J Garcia
1Servizio di Radiodiagnostica, EO Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy.
Skeletal Radiology
|August 18, 1999
Summary
Partial transient osteoporosis (PTO) of the hand is an uncommon condition presenting with localized pain and swelling after trauma. Radiography and bone scans reveal characteristic bone changes, with patients typically recovering within six months.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Partial transient osteoporosis (PTO) is a localized demineralizing condition.
- Understanding its radiographic and scintigraphic features is crucial for diagnosis.
Observation:
- Three patients (two women, one man) with hand trauma developed PTO affecting two to three digits.
- Clinical presentation included burning pain, swelling, redness, hyperhidrosis, and vasomotor instability.
Findings:
- Radiography showed patchy osteoporosis in adjacent rays with radial distribution, affecting cortical, cancellous, subarticular, and subperiosteal bone without joint involvement.
- Bone scintigraphy demonstrated increased uptake consistent with the observed osteoporosis pattern.
- All patients improved with physical therapy, achieving symptom resolution in approximately six months.
Implications:
- PTO of the hand has distinct clinical and imaging findings.
- Bone scintigraphy is valuable in confirming the extent of hand involvement in PTO.
- Early diagnosis and physical therapy can lead to favorable outcomes.