Calcium oxalate deposition in growing bone: anatomical and radiological study in a case of primary oxalosis

Abstract

A combined radiological, histological, and crystallographical study of bone, primarily the inferior femur, taken at autopsy from a 9 year old female with primary oxalosis, is reported. The essential feature is the deposition of calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite) crystals, inducing a foreign body reaction and bone remodelling. Synovial and cartilage surfaces are not involved. The changes occur primarily at sites of previous or present growth and seem to be related to the reaction of tissue to the deposition of blood-borne crystals. The radiological changes may be explained in part by the deposition of crystals at Harris' lines of growth arrest. Cancellous bone also shows changes similar to those observed in renal osteodystrophy.