Ankylosing hyperostosis. I. Clinical and radiological features

Abstract

The clinical and radiological features of 34 patients with ankylosing hyperostosis are presented. Pain in some region of the back was found in 29 cases. The condition may sometimes be suspected clinically by the presence of moderate to severe limitation of back movements (without rigidity) in an obese elderly patient, but the diagnosis can usually only be made radiologically. The peripheral joints and the pelvis may be affected by fluffy periostitis. No abnormality in growth hormone levels was found and the hypothesis that this condition is a form of acromegaly was not substantiated.