Abstract |
In alkaptonuric patients, cartilage, fibrocartilage and tendons are slowly impregnated by homogentisic acid. This leads to pigment deposition between and on the surface of collagen fibres ( ochronosis) which hardens the tissues as in leather tanning, and can render them breakable. Ochronotic intervertebral discs show a tendency of calcification and ossification, which produces a characteristic radiological picture. Ochronotic cartilage is rather often split off in the weight bearing zones of the knee, shoulder and hip. This is followed by osteoarthrotic changes with a synovial reaction frequently leading to an osteochondromatosis. The labelling of the pigmented ochronotic cartilage thus can support a didactic demonstration of the nature of osteoarthrotic remodelling. It underlines that such remodelling consists mainly of non specific changes developing independently of the cause of the original cartilage lesion.
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Authors | R Lagier, U Steiger |
Journal | Bulletin der Schweizerischen Akademie der Medizinischen Wissenschaften
(Bull Schweiz Akad Med Wiss)
Vol. 35
Issue 4-6
Pg. 389-402
(Sep 1979)
ISSN: 0036-7494 [Print] Switzerland |
Vernacular Title | Place des arthropathies ochronotiques en rhumatologie. |
PMID | 317004
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Alkaptonuria
(metabolism)
- Humans
- Joint Diseases
(pathology, physiopathology)
- Ochronosis
(etiology, pathology, physiopathology)
- Rheumatic Diseases
(pathology, physiopathology)
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