Acro-osteolysis

Last revised by Akinola Ayodeji Odedeyi on 11 Jan 2024

Acro-osteolysis (plural: acro-osteolyses), also known as phalangeal osteolysis, refers to resorption of the distal phalanx. The terminal tuft is most commonly affected. It is associated with a heterogeneous group of pathological entities, some of which can be remembered by the mnemonic CHOP FINger.

Terminology

There are two main radiological variants of acro-osteolysis 17:

  • longitudinal type: terminal tuft resorption

  • transverse type: linear bone resorption of the midshaft of the distal phalanx: band acro-osteolysis

These variants may coexist 17.

Pathology

Multiple digits
Terminal tuft resorption
Midshaft resorption (band acro-osteolysis)
Single digit 

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