Melorheostosis of the Hip: A Case Report

Melorheostosis, also known as Leri's disease, is a rare sclerosing bone dysplasia characterized by abnormal overgrowth of cortical bone, typically appearing as "dripping candle wax" on imaging. It most commonly affects the diaphyseal regions of the long bones in the lower limbs and may result in limb-length discrepancy, joint stiffness, progressive deformity, and soft tissue ossification. Owing to its rarity, treatment approaches are usually individualized. Here, we report the case of a 41-year-old female who presented with progressive limitation of right hip mobility since childhood, which began to interfere with daily activities. Imaging revealed extensive soft tissue ossification and endomedullary sclerosis around the right hip with cortical excrescence resembling candle wax dripping, suggesting melorheostosis. Following multidisciplinary evaluation, surgical excision of the bony mass and passive manipulation of the hip joint were performed. Histological examination confirmed a dense, compact bone resembling cortical bone. Postoperatively, hip flexion improved from 20° to 60° and abduction improved from 15° to 20°, with no evidence of joint instability. At the 30-month follow-up, mild limitation of motion persisted (flexion, 45°; abduction, 25°); however, the patient maintained good function with no significant impact on daily activities.