Phalangeal microgeodic syndrome in childhood. A case report.

A rare case of avascular necrosis of bone of unknown etiology affecting several phalanges of one hand in a 12-year-old Israeli girl is presented. This entity has been described in the literature under the title of "Phalangeal microgeodic syndrome in childhood." Forty cases have been reported mostly from Japan. The clinical presentation is that of a sudden onset of chilblain-like appearance of the fingers. Characteristically, the disease occurs in the colder months of the year. The radiological picture is pathognomonic although an inexperienced observer might suspect an aggressive destructive lesion. The prognosis is excellent as the disease is a self-limited one and surgery is unnecessary.