Chiropractic care and ochronotic arthropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the case of a patient with ochronotic arthropathy whose symptoms were treated with chiropractic care. An emphasis is placed on this condition's radiographic features.


METHODS
A 59-year-old woman with pain in her low back, right knee, and left ankle sought chiropractic evaluation. Black pigmentation was found in the sclera of both eyes, and homogentisic acid was present in the urine. Orthopedic evaluation revealed uncomplicated, nonspecific joint pain, and radiographs demonstrated characteristic spinal changes.


RESULTS
The patient was treated with chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy modalities, bracing, and exercises. This type of therapy was successful in reducing the symptoms and helped decrease the severity and frequency of acute exacerbations.


CONCLUSIONS
Ochronotic arthropathY is a rare metabolic disorder that can be diagnosed from spinal radiographs. Chiropractic care is an appropriate tool for reducing its symptomatology.
Mestan
M A
MA
mmestan@parkercc.edu
Bustin
G L
GL
Wagner
L A
LA
D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009794:Ochronosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome