Orthopaedic Manifestations of Scurvy in an Otherwise Healthy Child from a Low Opportunity Index Neighborhood: A Case Report

Alexandra L. Falkenberg; Alexa J. Karkenny; Melinda S. Sharkey

doi:10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00671

Orthopaedic Manifestations of Scurvy in an Otherwise Healthy Child from a Low Opportunity Index Neighborhood: A Case Report

Alexandra L. Falkenberg, Alexa J. Karkenny, Melinda S. Sharkey

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Case: A 23-month-old otherwise healthy female child from a low opportunity index neighborhood presented with 1 month of lower extremity pain and refusal to bear weight. Radiographic evaluation of bilateral knees revealed lucent metaphyseal bands and a nondisplaced distal femoral metaphyseal corner fracture. A workup identified vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), and the child's symptoms and radiographic abnormalities resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Scurvy should be considered in children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms who may lack access to nutrient-dense foods.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	e23.00671
Journal	JBJS Case Connector
Volume	14
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00671
State	Published - Feb 29 2024
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Frankel lines
Pelkan spur
Trummerfeld zone
bleeding gums
bucket-handle fracture
corner fracture
dense metaphyseal lines
distal femoral metaphyseal fracture
elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
limping child
lower extremity pain
lucent metaphyseal bands
microcytic anemia
nutritional deficiency
pediatric
sclerotic bands
scurvy
vitamin C deficiency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Surgery
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00671

Cite this

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title = "Orthopaedic Manifestations of Scurvy in an Otherwise Healthy Child from a Low Opportunity Index Neighborhood: A Case Report",

abstract = "Case: A 23-month-old otherwise healthy female child from a low opportunity index neighborhood presented with 1 month of lower extremity pain and refusal to bear weight. Radiographic evaluation of bilateral knees revealed lucent metaphyseal bands and a nondisplaced distal femoral metaphyseal corner fracture. A workup identified vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), and the child's symptoms and radiographic abnormalities resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Scurvy should be considered in children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms who may lack access to nutrient-dense foods.",

keywords = "Frankel lines, Pelkan spur, Trummerfeld zone, bleeding gums, bucket-handle fracture, corner fracture, dense metaphyseal lines, distal femoral metaphyseal fracture, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, limping child, lower extremity pain, lucent metaphyseal bands, microcytic anemia, nutritional deficiency, pediatric, sclerotic bands, scurvy, vitamin C deficiency",

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AU - Karkenny, Alexa J.

AU - Sharkey, Melinda S.

PY - 2024/2/29

Y1 - 2024/2/29

N2 - Case: A 23-month-old otherwise healthy female child from a low opportunity index neighborhood presented with 1 month of lower extremity pain and refusal to bear weight. Radiographic evaluation of bilateral knees revealed lucent metaphyseal bands and a nondisplaced distal femoral metaphyseal corner fracture. A workup identified vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), and the child's symptoms and radiographic abnormalities resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Scurvy should be considered in children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms who may lack access to nutrient-dense foods.

AB - Case: A 23-month-old otherwise healthy female child from a low opportunity index neighborhood presented with 1 month of lower extremity pain and refusal to bear weight. Radiographic evaluation of bilateral knees revealed lucent metaphyseal bands and a nondisplaced distal femoral metaphyseal corner fracture. A workup identified vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), and the child's symptoms and radiographic abnormalities resolved with vitamin C supplementation. Conclusions: Scurvy should be considered in children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms who may lack access to nutrient-dense foods.

KW - Frankel lines

KW - Pelkan spur

KW - Trummerfeld zone

KW - bleeding gums

KW - bucket-handle fracture

KW - corner fracture

KW - dense metaphyseal lines

KW - distal femoral metaphyseal fracture

KW - elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

KW - limping child

KW - lower extremity pain

KW - lucent metaphyseal bands

KW - microcytic anemia

KW - nutritional deficiency

KW - pediatric

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KW - vitamin C deficiency

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Orthopaedic Manifestations of Scurvy in an Otherwise Healthy Child from a Low Opportunity Index Neighborhood: A Case Report

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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