Musculoskeletal manifestations in Alkaptonuria: A cross-sectional study

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Ochronotic Arthropathy: A Case Report

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure used to treat various hip conditions. However, patients with ochronotic arthropathy, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the abnormal accumulation of homogentisic acid, are at a higher risk of post-surgical dislocation and instability due to poor bone quality and joint degeneration.

Case Report

This case study features a 52-year-old male patient diagnosed with ochronotic arthropathy who underwent bilateral THA with the use of a dual mobility cup (DMC). Ochronotic arthropathy had caused significant joint degeneration and stiffness, leading to considerable functional impairment.

Conclusion

The application of a DMC in THA for patients with ochronotic arthropathy has shown promising outcomes. The DMC offers increased range of motion and improved stability, effectively reducing the risk of post-surgical dislocation and implant failure. This case study highlights the potential of DMC as a viable solution for addressing the challenges posed by poor bone quality in patients with ochronotic arthropathy undergoing THA.

Alkaptonuria Diagnosis Following a Discectomy: A Case Report

Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the excessive production of homogentisic acid, leading to the formation and deposition of pigment polymers throughout the body. It is extremely rare, affecting only around one in 100,000 individuals. Despite the normal life expectancy, it can cause severe morbidities. Alkaptonuria is typically managed supportively with pain medication, dietary modifications, and surgical interventions, which are considered to be the gold standard of therapy. Here we present a case of a 33-year-old male with no previous medical or surgical history who presented with severe acute back pain radiating to the left leg. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous pathogenic variant for alkaptonuria. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing alkaptonuria, emphasizing the significance of early detection, and clinical evaluation for improved outcomes. Furthermore, it underscores the need to consider alkaptonuria as a multidimensional disease, necessitating further research to enhance our understanding and develop effective management. Therefore, this study serves as an opportunity for future trials and studies aimed at digging deeper into the intricacies of alkaptonuria to increase our understanding and establish comprehensive management plans for affected individuals.

Joint manifestations revealing inborn metabolic diseases in adults: a narrative review

Inborn metabolic diseases (IMD) are rare conditions that can be diagnosed during adulthood. Patients with IMD may have joint symptoms and the challenge is to establish an early diagnosis in order to institute appropriate treatment and prevent irreversible damage. This review describes the joint manifestations of IMD that may be encountered in adults. The clinical settings considered were arthralgia and joint stiffness as well as arthritis. Unspecific arthralgias are often the first symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis, chronic low back pain may reveal an intervertebral disc calcification in relation with alkaptonuria, and progressive joint stiffness may correspond to a mucopolysaccharidosis or mucolipidosis. Gaucher disease is initially revealed by painful acute attacks mimicking joint pain described as "bone crises". Some IMD may induce microcrystalline arthropathy. Beyond classical gout, there are also gouts in connection with purine metabolism disorders known as "enzymopathic gouts". Pyrophosphate arthropathy can also be part of the clinical spectrum of Gitelman syndrome or hypophosphatasia. Oxalate crystals arthritis can reveal a primary hyperoxaluria. Destructive arthritis may be indicative of Wilson's disease. Non-destructive arthritis may be seen in mevalonate kinase deficiency and familial hypercholesterolemia.