Ochronosis, arthroscopy of a black knee: a case report and review of the literature.
Ochronotic arthropathy is a rare condition found in patients with alkaptonuria. Due to the accumulation of homogentisic acid, cartilages get a dark discoloration and become brittle and more vulnerable to mechanical stress (Centinus et al. Rheumatol Int 3:127-131, 2004; Hamdi et al. Int Orthop 23:122-125, 1999; Phornphutkul, N Engl J Med 347:2111-2121, 2002; Thacker, Arthroscopy 19:14-17, 2003). This case report is about a patient first diagnosed for ochronosis by arthroscopy of the knee. Her brother was having similar complaints during follow-up. Both patients were prescribed to take glucosamine and chondroitine. Although no report is found in the literature, regarding the success of this therapy in patients with ochronosis, both patients reported a positive effect on articular pain and daily activities.
Raaijmaakers
Martijn
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Merestraat 80, 9300, Aalst, Belgium. marraaij@hotmail.com
Steenbrugge
Franky
F
Dierickx
Carl
C
D000474:Alkaptonuria / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D002807:Chondroitin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009794:Ochronosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries
D002807:Chondroitin; D005944:Glucosamine