[Osteogenesis imperfecta with hypertrophic callus. Apropos of 2 cases with early onset]

The callus that forms at the site of recent fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta is usually normal, but hyperplastic callus may develop.

Case 1. A hyperplastic callus with local inflammation developed at the site of a fracture of the left thigh of a boy, aged 11 months suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta. This disease was characterized by the progressive development of broad limbs, bone islands on skull x-rays and blue sclerae. He had also had fractures at the ages of 4 and 7 months. Follow-up showed that this boy, now aged 15 years, had several fractures with the development of similar hyperplastic calluses. These limitated joint motility, causing him to remain confined to his bed. Case 2. This girl of consanguineous parents had a fracture of the femora at the age of 1 month; she had blue sclerae and developed a hyperplastic callus. The roentgenographic studies showed generalized osteopenia and deformities indicating osteogenesis imperfecta.

Hyperplastic callus may develop in osteogenesis imperfecta. Its diagnosis may be difficult with neoplasms of bone, such as osteosarcoma, and its treatment is difficult.