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Acro-osteolysis: imaging, differential diagnosis, and disposition review

Skeletal Radiology volume 52, pages 9–22 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract   

Acro-osteolysis is the osseous destruction of the hand or foot distal phalanges. The categories of the disease include terminal tuft, midshaft, or mixed types. Recognition of acro-osteolysis is straightforward on radiographs, but providing an accurate differential diagnosis and appropriately recommending advanced imaging or invasive tissue diagnosis can be more elusive. A radiologist’s ability to provide advanced assessment can greatly aid clinicians in expedient diagnosis and management of the array of diseases presenting with acro-osteolysis.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Stephanie Bernard and Dr. Norman Arbelo-Cruz for their image contributions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wright-Patterson Medical Center, 4881 Sugar Maple Drive, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA

    Christopher T. Bailey

  2. Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA

    Rainel Zelaya

  3. Detroit Medical Center, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit Receiving Hospital 3L-8, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Orest O. Kayder

  4. Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, JBSA Lackland, TX, 78236, USA

    Nathan D. Cecava

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  1. Christopher T. Bailey
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Bailey, C.T., Zelaya, R., Kayder, O.O. et al. Acro-osteolysis: imaging, differential diagnosis, and disposition review. Skeletal Radiol 52, 9–22 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-022-04145-y

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Keywords

  • Acro-osteolysis
  • Osteolysis
  • Resorption
  • Phalanges