Melorheostosis of the cervical and cervicothoracic spine: review of the literature and presentation of 3 new cases

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2024 Aug;144(8):3351-3359. doi: 10.1007/s00402-024-05492-2. Epub 2024 Aug 7.

Abstract

Melorheostosis is a rare dysplastic bone disease that usually affects long bones at the upper or lower limbs. It is rarely seen at the spine and very rarely located at the cervical spine. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently 6 cases of melorheostosis described at the cervical spine. Here, we give an overview of the current literature of spinal melorheostosis with respect to number of cases and skeletal distribution, aetiology, radiographic appearance, symptoms and treatment. Finally, we describe 3 new clinical cases with manifestation of melorheostosis at the cervical spine and the cervicothoracic junction.

Keywords: Bone; Melorheostosis; Radiology; Spine; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melorheostosis* / complications
  • Melorheostosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracic Vertebrae* / diagnostic imaging