The orthopaedic management of hypophosphataemic rickets

The orthopaedic management of 19 patients with hypophosphataemic rickets was reviewed. Three groups of patients could be identified: teenagers or young adults without knee problems, those with knee problems, and adults or elderly patients with stiff joints due to mineralisation of ligaments. Osteotomies were best staged. Diaphyseal osteotomies were performed at all ages with stabilisation over an intramedullary nail; metaphyseal osteotomies were most successful at or close to maturity. Early degeneration of the knees with shedding of the articular cartilage was seen in young adults, and osteochondritis-like lesions were seen in some teenagers. Stiffness and bone pain were a feature in elderly patients.