title: Idiopathic multicentric osteolysis principally affecting the phalanges of the hands and feet.
abstract: The case of a 64-year-old man with idiopathic symmetrical osteolysis affecting both hands and feet is presented. The phalanges were principally affected, with relative sparing of the carpus and tarsus. The relevant literature has been reviewed and this reveals that the distribution of osteolysis in this case is unique. We suggest that this case represents a different disease entity, which has not been described previously.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK.
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Garnavos
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Lunn
mesh_terms: D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010015:Osteolysis, Essential / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D014034:Toes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging