American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 140, Issue 2, 239-244
Copyright © 1983 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Premature fusion of the proximal humeral epiphyses in thalassemia
JP Lawson,
RC Ablow,
and
HA Pearson
Premature fusion of the proximal humeral epiphyses with varus deformity is a common and characteristic radiologic finding in thalassemia anemia. A review of 17 cases with bilateral and one case with unilateral involvement, coupled with known anatomic and mechanical factors, suggested an explanation for this phenomenon. Hypertrophied marrow will thin the trabeculae and cortex, perforate the cortex through normal fenestrations, and proliferate subperiosteally. Normal force vectors result in medial humeral compression and ultimately premature fusion.