Radiological evaluation of bone changes in leprosy

ABSTRACT

A study involving 44 patients of leprosy was conducted in the Radiology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi in association with the Rawalpindi Leprosy Hospital. All patients had bone changes of either specific or non- specific type. Plain radiography was carried out with a view to evaluate its feasibility as a worthwhile source of supplementary data in planning strategy for treatment. The study group predominantly consisted of male patients between 51 and 60 years of age. Lepromatous leprosy accounted for 52% and borderline tuberculoid leprosy for 29% of the cases. The remaining belonged to either borderline lepromatous or indeterminate subtypes. Both specific and non-specific lesions were most commonly seen in lepromatous type, followed by border line type and were more frequent and marked in feet than in hands. Cortical thinning/irregularity was the most common specific bone change in 79% hands and 81% feet. On the other hand generalized osteoporosis was seen in 77% hands and 81% feet, making it the most commonly seen non-specific bone change