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Ochronosis, arthroscopy of a black knee: a case report and review of the literature

  • Knee
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Ochronotic arthropathy is a rare condition found in patients with alkaptonuria. Due to the accumulation of homogentisic acid, cartilages get a dark discoloration and become brittle and more vulnerable to mechanical stress (Centinus et al. Rheumatol Int 3:127–131, 2004; Hamdi et al. Int Orthop 23:122–125, 1999; Phornphutkul, N Engl J Med 347:2111–2121, 2002; Thacker, Arthroscopy 19:14–17, 2003). This case report is about a patient first diagnosed for ochronosis by arthroscopy of the knee. Her brother was having similar complaints during follow-up. Both patients were prescribed to take glucosamine and chondroitine. Although no report is found in the literature, regarding the success of this therapy in patients with ochronosis, both patients reported a positive effect on articular pain and daily activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Merestraat 80, 9300, Aalst, Belgium

    Martijn Raaijmaakers & Franky Steenbrugge

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Virga Jesse Ziekenhuis, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium

    Martijn Raaijmaakers & Carl Dierickx

  3. Kesseldallaan 99 bus 0101, 3010, Kessel-Lo, Belgium

    Martijn Raaijmaakers

Authors
  1. Martijn Raaijmaakers
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  2. Franky Steenbrugge
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  3. Carl Dierickx
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Correspondence to Martijn Raaijmaakers.

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Raaijmaakers, M., Steenbrugge, F. & Dierickx, C. Ochronosis, arthroscopy of a black knee: a case report and review of the literature. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthr 16, 182–184 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0413-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0413-x

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