[Skin manifestations in orthopedic diseases (notalgia paresthetica and brachioradial pruritus)]

Orthopedic diseases are often manifested through dermatological findings or symptoms that should be recognized in order to ensure adequate treatment. While psoriasis is widely known as a dermatological disease and psoriatic arthritis as an orthopedic or rheumatological disease, the diseases notalgia paresthetica and brachioradial pruritus are largely unknown to orthopedic surgeons. Both diseases belong to the category of so-called neuropathic pruritus, which is associated with typical secondary skin changes, whereby the cause can be found in the orthopedic field, particularly in the cervical spine. In order to make a better classification of the described diseases and the resulting diagnostic and therapeutic treatment options, it is necessary to understand the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of itch processing. The treatment of notalgia paresthetica and brachioradial pruritus requires interdisciplinary cooperation between orthopedics, neurosurgery, pain therapy and dermatology.