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Rachitic rosary

Radswiki and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

A rachitic rosary refers to expansion of the anterior rib ends at the costochondral junctions and is most frequently seen in rickets.

Causes of this appearance include : 

  • rickets : nodularity at costochondral junction (rachitic rosary)
  • scurvy : 
    • the costochondral junction is more angular and has a sharper step-off (scorbutic rosary). 
    • the sternum is usually found to be depressed.
  • chondrodystrophy

It is important to consider whether this appearance could actually represent healing fractures as a result of child abuse.

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