Infantile Cortical Hyperostosis eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: In 1945, Caffey first described infantile cortical hyperostosis, also known as Caffey disease, a self-limited disorder that affects infants and causes bone changes, soft-tissue swelling, and irritability.1 Although the etiology of this condition is not completely understood, familial and sporadic forms appear to exist
Infantile cortical hyperostosis is an inflammatory process of unclear etiology. In the early stages of this condition, inflammation of the periosteum and adjacent soft tissues is observed. As this resolves, the periosteum remains thickened, and subperiosteal immature lamellar bone is noted. The bone marrow spaces contain vascular fibrous tissue. Mature specimens show hyperplasia of the lamellar cortical bone without inflammation or subperiosteal changes.
Synonyms and related keywords: Caffey's disease, Caffey disease, familial infantile cortical hyperostosis, sporadic infantile cortical hyperostosis
Novick & Grogan 2007