[Melorheostosis. Apropos of a localization in the hand]

The authors describe a case of melorheostosis localised in the hand. Melorheostosis is an unusual affection. The first signs appear in some cases at birth, but the disease is often diagnosed during the fourth decade. Clinical symptoms are pain, ankylosis, the deformation provoked by the lesion of soft tissues and especially limitation of motion. Radiographs permit the diagnosis: opacities parallel to the diaphysis with a "monomelic" topography. The natural history of the condition is characterized by the possibility of extension of the disease. Operative treatment is rarely indicated.