[Melorheostosis of the hand (report of 2 cases)]

Melorheostosis is a rare monostotic or polyostotic bone disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by a slowly progressing linear hyperostosis, fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, contractures of joints and aching pain. The lower extremities are involved much more often than the upper extremities. The distribution of the lesion usually follows sclerotomes. Bone scanning complements standard radiologic studies and permits evaluation of the extent and activity of the disease. Here we report two cases of melorheostosis. Conservative treatment was disappointing. Thus we recommend the excision of the exostosis.