Melorheostosis of upper limb: A report of four rare cases

Melorheostosis is a rare chronic bone disease, etiology of which remains unclear. It mostly affects lower limbs and clinical features vary in each case. Radiographs show characteristic "candle wax pattern" of hyperostosis. Herein we report four cases of upper limb affection with their symptoms, radiographic findings and treatment. First case presented with gradually progressive swelling in forearm which was initially misdiagnosed as filariasis. Plain radiograph eventually demonstrated melorheostosis of ulna. Second patient had deformity of index finger and pain in hand which was diagnosed on radiograph of hand. Third case presented with progressive flexion deformity of ring and little finger. Fourth patient had ulnar involvement which was an incidental diagnosis. First three patients were managed with bisphosphonates following which there was significant improvement in pain and fourth case was kept on follow-up as he was asymptomatic.