Licked candy stick - rheumatoid arthritis
Presentation
Long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. No previous foot surgery or trauma.
Patient Data
Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Licked candy stick - rheumatoid arthritis
X-ray
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Oblique
The distal 5th metatarsal has a tapered appearance towards the MTP joint.
The degree of bone resorption can be appreciated by comparison with the normal adjacent metatarsals.
From the case:
Licked candy stick - rheumatoid arthritis
Diagram
Illustration
An illustrative conceptualisation of how the sign for these radiological appearances arise.
Case Discussion
The licked candy stick appearance refers to tapering of the tips of the metacarpal bones, metatarsal bones, phalanges or clavicles and is typically associated with chronic rheumatological conditions:
The appearances result from bone resorption/destruction resembling the appearance of a candy stick that has been slowly deformed from licking.