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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Poly-epiphyseal overgrowth: description of a previously unreported skeletal dysplasia
Ugo E Pazzaglia1, Giampiero Beluffi, Antonietta Marchi
1Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy. ortopedia2@spedalicivili.brescia.it
Abstract:
A skeletal dysplasia with previously unreported features is presented. Its evolution was characterized by growth abnormalities of bones without involvement of other organs. Advanced bone age, increased stature and irregular epiphyseal ossification with stippling of the main long bones were documented. Physeal overgrowth was massive in the left proximal humerus and femur. Furthermore, the hip joint appeared fused with an abundant mass of pathological calcific tissue extending from the femur to the ilium. Pathological epiphyses were characterized by anarchic cartilaginous proliferation with multiple ossification centres, while lamellar bone apposition and remodelling were normal. The observed bone changes were different from those in any previously reported syndrome, metabolic defect or bone dysplasia. However, they clearly indicated a defect of endochondral ossification with some resemblance to phenotypes observed in dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica.
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