Dripping candle wax lesion of the hand

Abstract

It is essential to consider melorheostosis in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with soft-tissue swelling, joint contractures, and “dripping candle wax” like hyperostotic lesions on X-rays. Melorheostosis is a sporadic disease with an uncertain etiology. It is often diagnosed incidentally and can affect the bones of the vertebrae, trunk, and upper and lower extremities. It can present with compressive symptoms due to soft-tissue swelling and fibrosis. On the hand, symptoms of median nerve compression or trigger finger may occur. The treatment of this condition is primarily conservative, and surgery is reserved for patients with severe and disabling symptoms.