Abstract
Metabolic and endocrine disorders have systemic effects on the musculoskeletal system,
frequently producing characteristic changes in the hand and wrist. Radiographs historically
played an instrumental role in the diagnostic pathway of many of these disorders,
but the myriad of endocrinologic tests readily available to current clinicians may
suggest their importance has lessened. We disagree. Recognition of these often subtle
features can avoid the expense and psychological impact of an inappropriate diagnostic
work-up, as well as expediting the diagnosis of potentially unsuspected disease. The
metabolic and endocrine disorders discussed here are based on the distinctive changes
produced around the hand and wrist.
Keywords
metabolic bone disease - hand - wrist - radiograph - magnetic resonance imaging
