IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Nail-patella syndrome

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis probable
x-ray

Cropped view of the left side of the pelvis demonstrates a triangular bony opacity consistent with a posterior iliac horn.

Case Discussion

Nail-patella syndrome (synonyms: Fong’s disease, Trauner-Rieger syndrome) is a rare autosomal dominant condition.

Clinically the key features are congenitally absent/hypoplastic nails and patellae.

Diagnostic radiographic findings include the following:

  • absent/hypoplastic patellae (with a tendency to recurrent dislocation)
  • hypoplasia of the radial head or capitellum (leading to subluxation/dislocation)
  • bilateral posterior iliac horns.
    • the bilateral posterior iliac horns are due to exostoses arising from the posterior aspect of the iliac bones are present in as many as 80% of patients; this finding is considered pathognomonic for the syndrome

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.