[Osteoarticular lesions in leprosy (experience 1960-1982)].

Bone changes are frequent in leprosy involving small distal bones of the limbs and, in advanced cases, some cranial bones. The various kinds of osteitis and their radiologic features are described as well as the arthritis to which they can give way. These changes may result directly from the infection by M. leprae indirectly through nerve damage and also by pyogenic infections. The therapeutic tactic is discussed according to this approach of the various types of bones and joint damage.