Kashin-Beck disease

Etiology

• selenium deficiency likely risk factor

Epidemiology

• usually involves children age 5-15 years
• highest incidence in China

Pathology

• death of cartilage cells in the growth plate & articular surfaces

Clinical manifestations

• joint pain
• morning stiffness in the joints
• flexion & extension disorder in the elbows
• enlarged interphalangeal joints
• ankylosis
• growth retardation

Management

• physical therapy
• surgery
• prevention
  • selenium supplementation in edemic areas
    • correct iodine deficiency before selenium deficiency

More general terms

• osteochondropathy (disorder of bone & cartilage)