Abstract

Introduction

Case Presentation

Discussion
& Conclusion

References

Discussion
Board

Management of a Fracture in a Known Case of Gorham's Vanishing Bone Disease

J.F.M.Clough (Department of Surgery, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC, Canada)
G.W.K.Donaldson (Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC, Canada)
B.McNeely (Department of Pathology, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, BC, Canada)

Contact Person: Myles Clough (cloughs@wkpowerlink.com)

Abstract

We present the case of a right handed construction worker who has sustained two fractures in his left forearm. In 1990 he sustained a wrist fracture which failed to heal. The bone of the distal radius, ulna and carpus was re-absorbed. In 1995 he had radiotherapy and a free vascularized fibular graft from proximal ulna to 2nd metacarpal resulting in fusion of his left wrist and forearm but resolution of the injury. The history and a bone biopsy showing intense neovascularity together made the diagnosis of Gorham's Disease. He injured himself again in 1998 sustaining a fracture of the left olecranon process. A bone biopsy at the time of internal fixation confirmed that the bone was affected by his condition. Aggressive adjunctive therapy was initiated immediately following the surgery and included electrical stimulation, osteoclast inhibitory therapy and radiotherapy. At three months post injury the patient had painless function of his elbow and returned to work against advice. !
The Xray showed evidence of healing. This case will be discussed and the literature reviewed with emphasis on the pathological process. Since this involves haemangiomatous replacement of normal bone we suggest that the new anti- neovascularization drugs be tried in this condition.

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Poster Number PAclough0143
Keywords: Gorham's Disease, Fracture, Haemangioma, Management, Case presentation

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