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Copyright © 1989 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
The skeletal manifestations of congenital syphilis. A review of 197 cases
Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Congella, Republic of South Africa.
In a retrospective review of 302 clinically suspected cases of congenital syphilis, bone changes were found in 197. The skeletal manifestations were periostitis (102 cases), osteitis (20), and metaphyseal changes (71). Combinations of more than one lesion were found in 61. Pseudoparalysis was a presenting sign in 34 infants; 12 of these were found to have had pathological fractures and four had dactylitis. Complete radiological healing without residual changes was seen in all 59 cases that were recalled for review. The orthopaedic surgeon should consider the diagnosis of congenital syphilis when destructive lesions of bone are seen in an infant. |
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