Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview

A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD

Diagnosis:

Osteopetrosis

Discussion:

Single lateral lumbar spinal x-ray revealing increased sclerosis in the superior and inferior portions of the midbody of the vertebra. This is seen in vertebrae that have a small replica of the vertebral body inside the normal one, giving a bone-in-bone sign. It is produced by failure of osteoclastic activity causing abnormally dense bone that occurs intermittently producing zones of abnormal density alternating with relatively more normal bone. This is a characteristic finding seen in osteopetrosis.

References:

Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview

A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD