Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025
08:20
A Reliable and Reproducible Critical-Sized Segmental Femoral Defect Model in Rats Stabilized with a Custom External Fixator
Published on: March 24, 2019
8.6K
Ribbing disease of the femur: a rare entity
Ahmad Alnaggar1, Ali Hassan2, Maryam Alkhaja1
1Radiology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Bahrain.
Skeletal Radiology
|July 22, 2024
Summary
Ribbing disease, a rare bone dysplasia, typically affects adults but this case details a unique presentation in a 20-year-old male with isolated femur involvement. This highlights diagnostic challenges and the need to consider this condition in chronic limb pain evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Skeletal Dysplasias
Background:
- Ribbing disease is a rare, benign bone dysplasia.
- Characterized by progressive cortical thickening of long bone diaphyses in adults.
- Limited literature exists on its radiological progression and anatomical distribution, with single-bone involvement being uncommon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of Ribbing disease.
- To describe its presentation localized to the femur in a young adult.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and implications for patient management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 20-year-old male with chronic thigh pain.
- Radiographic imaging (initial and follow-up).
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) for detailed bone assessment.
Main Results:
- Initial radiographs were unremarkable; follow-up revealed focal fusiform widening and cortical thickening of the left femur.
- MRI showed circumferential cortical thickening with bone marrow edema.
- CT confirmed significant cortical thickening and near-obliteration of the intramedullary cavity.
Conclusions:
- This case presents an atypical, femur-exclusive manifestation of Ribbing disease in a young patient.
- Diagnostic challenges were encountered, including misinterpretation leading to unnecessary radiofrequency ablation.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering Ribbing disease in the differential diagnosis of chronic limb pain, especially with unusual radiological findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
2.4K
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
2.4K
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
3.1K
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
3.1K
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
2.2K
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
2.2K
01:29Bone Disorders
3.5K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
3.5K
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
3.1K
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
3.1K
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
921
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
921