Spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia corner fracture type (a cautionary tale)

Abstract

Spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliffe type is a rare disease characterised by oval vertebral bodies, coxa vara and metaphyseal irregularities. It was named spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia corner fracture type by Langer et al. as corner fractures are a constant feature later in life. We report 3 further cases of spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliffe type; one without coxa vara and 2 bone dysplasias with distinctive radiographic features--different from spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliffe type, for diagnosis. Both of the latter showed corner fractures. Corner fractures are a characteristic but not diagnostic feature of spondylo-metaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliffe type.