Melorheostosis

Melorheostosis, also called flowing-candle disease, monomelic candle-wax hyperostosis, Leri sclerosing hyperostosis and candle bone, is a rare, distinctive localized hyperostosis that on X-ray resembles melted wax flowing down the diaphysis. It is generally considered a congenital developmental anomaly, a subperiosteal capillary dilation causing periosteal bone dysplasia; onset is in childhood, equal in both sexes, mostly affecting a single limb, more often the lower than upper limb.

Common Symptoms

Medullary hyperplasia; dull pain; cold limbs; foot eversion; hypoxic-ischemic nerve injury; limited shoulder movement

Causes

Etiology. The cause is unknown; it is considered a congenital developmental anomaly, a subperiosteal capillary dilation causing periosteal bone dysplasia; it has been reported with familial osteosclerosis, suggesting a second mutation at the locus causing isolated familial osteogenesis imperfecta; there is no hereditary or family history; onset is in childhood, equal in both sexes, mostly affecting a single limb, more often the lower than upper limb. Pathology. Periosteal and endosteal hyperplasia with irregular sclerosis; microscopy shows the hyperostotic area as dense lamellar bone arranged disorderly, distorted Haversian canals, interwoven immature and mature bone, increased osteoblast and decreased osteoclast activity, so new bone forms; other structures are normal.

Treatment

Symptomatic treatment, surgery, supportive treatment, rehabilitation therapy

Prevention

This is a congenital disease with no effective preventive measures; the lesion is progressive, advancing rapidly during development and slowly in adulthood, and does not affect life.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the orthopedic surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.