Fact-sheet: Syphilis of bone


Updated on 09/15/2020 at 3:49 PM

Note : 0/10

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Definition

Involvement during secondary syphilis (from the 2nd month to the 4th year) due to Treponema pallidum.

Clinical features

Disabling pain, predominantly nocturnal

  • involvement of the tibia +++
  • skull, clavicle, sternum, and ribs

Swelling at the painful site (syphilitic periostitis)

Radiography

  • Ill-defined periosteal apposition on the skull and long bones
  • Rounded or oval lucencies
  • Homogeneous or laminated cortical hyperostosis of the entire bone
  • Saber-shin bone deformity
  • Metaphyseal lucent bands

Management

Antibiotic therapy adapted to the phase of the disease