Melorheostosis is a rare, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic feature of flowing hyperostosis
resembling dripping candle wax, generally on one side of the long bone. The condition originally was described by Leri and
Joanny in 1922. Its etiology remains speculative, and treatment in most instances has been symptomatic. Melorheostosis usually
affects one limb, more often the lower extremity, and rarely the axial skeleton. We report a rare case of severe melorheostosis
in the ipsilateral upper and lower extremities with normal contralateral extremities. The plain radiographs revealed almost
all the bones in the affected extremities, from clavicle and scapula to distal phalanges of the fingers and from femur to
distal phalanges of the toes, presented extensive, dense hyperostosis and heterotopic ossification in the periarticular soft
tissue. Physical examination showed considerable swelling and deformities of the left limbs, stiffness and distortion of the
joints, and anesthesia in the left ulnar regions of the forearm and hand. The examination of the right side was normal. Computed
tomography scans showed multiple areas of classic candle wax-like hyperostosis and narrowing or disappearance of the medullary
cavity. Histologic analysis confirmed the clinical and imaging diagnosis and revealed extremely dense sclerotic bone of cortical
pattern.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved or waived approval for the reporting of this case, that all
investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation
in the study was obtained.