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Osteopoikilosis

Bones, Joints, Muscles and Skin · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-11-04 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed9 referencesApproximately 5 min read

An asymptomatic, autosomal dominant trait in which pea-sized sclerotic spots, prominent in the metaphyseal area, are accompanied by unique cutaneous lesions.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 3 complete abstracts (966 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

An asymptomatic, autosomal dominant trait in which pea-sized sclerotic spots, prominent in the metaphyseal area, are accompanied by unique cutaneous lesions. These are yellowish papules or plaques with increased elastin content. (From Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 19th ed, pp1434-35)

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Osteopoikiloses.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Osteosclerosis; Connective Tissue Diseases

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 468 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Osteopoikilosis” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 21 of them (4.5%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 271 records.

Reviews account for 40 records (8.5%) and meta-analyses for 0. Randomized controlled trials number 0 (0.0%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 271 records; 2000-2009: 75 records; 2010-2019: 101 records; 2020 onward: 21 records271through 1999752000-20091012010-2019212020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 1999271
2000-200975
2010-2019101
2020 onward21
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 8.5 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.0 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 0.0 percentReviews8.5% (40)Meta-analyses0.0% (0)Randomized controlled trials0.0% (0)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 468 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews408.5%
Meta-analyses00.0%
Randomized controlled trials00.0%

Method: PubMed query "Osteopoikilosis"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.

Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin

Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Osteopoikilosis and multiple exostoses caused by novel mutations in LEMD3 and EXT1 genes respectively--coincidence within one family
Baasanjav S, Jamsheer A, Kolanczyk M, Horn D, Latos T, Hoffmann K, et al.
2010Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
14cc by
PMID 20618940 · DOI · PMC2912259
Heterogeneity and high prevalence of bone manifestations, and bone mineral density in congenital generalized lipodystrophy subtypes 1 and 2
Freire EBL, Brasil d'Alva C, Madeira MP, Lima GEDCP, Fernandes VO, Aguiar LB, et al.
2024Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
5cc by
PMID 38633760 · DOI · PMC11021684
Osteopoikilosis: a case report
Mohsenpour B, Ahmadi A
2023Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
5cc by
PMID 37434212 · DOI · PMC10337142

Osteopoikilosis and multiple exostoses caused by novel mutations in LEMD3 and EXT1 genes respectively--coincidence within one family [1]

Research article Baasanjav S, Jamsheer A, Kolanczyk M, Horn D, Latos T, Hoffmann K, et al. · · 2010 · cited 14 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundOsteopoikilosis is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterised by the occurrence of the hyperostotic spots preferentially localized in the epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones, and in the carpal and tarsal bones 1.
Closing excerpt
Co-incidence of LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations was not associated with a more severe skeletal phenotype in those patients.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (404 words)

BackgroundOsteopoikilosis is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterised by the occurrence of the hyperostotic spots preferentially localized in the epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones, and in the carpal and tarsal bones 1. Heterozygous LEMD3 gene mutations were shown to be the primary cause of the disease 2. Association of the primarily asymptomatic osteopokilosis with connective tissue nevi of the skin is categorized as Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) 3. Additionally, osteopoikilosis can coincide with melorheostosis (MRO), a more severe bone disease characterised by the ectopic bone formation on the periosteal and endosteal surface of the long bones 456. However, not all MRO affected individuals carry germ-line LEMD3 mutations 7. Thus, the genetic cause of MRO remains unknown. Here we describe a familial case of osteopoikilosis in which a novel heterozygous LEMD3 mutation coincides with a novel mutation in EXT1, a gene involved in aetiology of multiple exostosis syndrome. The patients affected with both LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations displayed typical features of the osteopoikilosis. There were no additional skeletal manifestations detected however, various non-skeletal pathologies coincided in this group.MethodsWe investigated LEMD3 and EXT1 in the three-generation family from Poland, with 5 patients affected with osteopoikilosis and one child affected with multiple exostoses.ResultsWe found a novel c.2203C > T (p.R735X) mutation in exon 9 of LEMD3, resulting in a premature stop codon at amino acid position 735. The mutation co-segregates with the osteopoikilosis phenotype and was not found in 200 ethnically matched controls. Another new substitution G > A was found in EXT1 gene at position 1732 (cDNA) in Exon 9 (p.A578T) in three out of five osteopoikilosis affected family members. Evolutionary conservation of the affected amino acid suggested possible functional relevance, however no additional skeletal manifestations were observed other then those specific for osteopoikilosis. Finally in one member of the family we found a splice site mutation in the EXT1 gene intron 5 (IVS5-2 A > G) resulting in the deletion of 9 bp of cDNA encoding three evolutionarily conserved amino acid residues. This child patient suffered from a severe form of exostoses, thus a causal relationship can be postulated.ConclusionsWe identified a new mutation in LEMD3 gene, accounting for the familial case of osteopoikilosis. In the same family we identified two novel EXT1 gene mutations. One of them A598T co-incided with the LEMD3 mutation. Co-incidence of LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations was not associated with a more severe skeletal phenotype in those patients.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 20618940 · DOI · PMC2912259

Heterogeneity and high prevalence of bone manifestations, and bone mineral density in congenital generalized lipodystrophy subtypes 1 and 2 [2]

Research article Freire EBL, Brasil d'Alva C, Madeira MP, Lima GEDCP, Fernandes VO, Aguiar LB, et al. · · 2024 · cited 5 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
IntroductionCongenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in genes responsible for the formation and development of adipocytes.
Closing excerpt
Studies are needed to better understand its pathogenesis and clinical consequences.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (339 words)

IntroductionCongenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in genes responsible for the formation and development of adipocytes. Bone abnormalities are described. However, there is a scarcity of data.ObjectiveTo describe bone characteristics in a large CGL1 and 2 case series.MethodsCross-sectional study that assessed bone radiological features of CGL patients of a reference hospital in Fortaleza (CE), Brazil. Patients underwent clinical and bone mineral metabolism evaluation, radiographs of the axial and appendicular skeleton and bone mineral density (BMD) assessment by DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry).ResultsNineteen patients were included, fourteen were CGL1 and 5, CGL2. Median age was 20 years (8-42) and 58% were women. Median BMI and percentage of body fat were, respectively, 21 Kg/m² (16-24), and 10.5% (7.6-15). The median leptin concentration was 1 ng/mL (0.1-3.3). Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were present in 79% and 63% of patients, respectively. Median calcium and phosphate were normal in almost all patients (95%). Median parathyroid hormone and 25-OH-vitamin D were 23 pg/mL (7-75) and 28 ng/mL (18-43). Osteolytic lesions, osteosclerosis and pseudo-osteopoikylosis, were present in 74%, 42% and 32% of patients, respectively. Lytic lesions were found predominantly in the extremities of long bones, bilaterally and symmetrically, spine was spared. Osteosclerosis was present in axial and appendicular skeleton. Pseudo-osteopoikilosis was found symmetrically in epiphyses of femur and humerus, in addition to the pelvis. BMD Z-score greater than +2.5 SD was observed in 13 patients (68.4%). BMD was higher in CGL1 compared to CGL2 in lumbar spine and total body in adults. No associations were found between high BMD and HOMA-IR (p=0.686), DM (p=0.750), osteosclerosis (p=0.127) or pseudo-osteopoikilosis (p=0.342), and, between pain and bone lesions. Fractures were found in 3 patients.ConclusionBone manifestations are prevalent, heterogeneous, and silent in CGL1 and CGL2. Osteolytic lesions are the most common, followed by osteosclerosis and pseudo-osteopoikilosis. Bone mass is high in most cases. There was no pain complaint related to bone lesions. Thus, systematic assessment of bone manifestations in CGL is essential. Studies are needed to better understand its pathogenesis and clinical consequences.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38633760 · DOI · PMC11021684

Osteopoikilosis: a case report [3]

Research article Mohsenpour B, Ahmadi A · · 2023 · cited 5 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundOsteopoikilosis, also referred to as disseminated condensing osteopathy, spotted bone disease, or osteopecilia, is a rare bone disorder.
Closing excerpt
Furthermore, the bone scan indicates extensive enthesopathy in various regions, a unique manifestation not previously reported in similar cases.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (223 words)

BackgroundOsteopoikilosis, also referred to as disseminated condensing osteopathy, spotted bone disease, or osteopecilia, is a rare bone disorder. The case presented here showcases multiple disc lesions in the spine, extensive multifocal skin lesions, and positive test results for dermatomyositis and multifocal enthesopathy, accompanied by neurological symptoms. This manifestation represents a novel variant of the disease.Case presentationOur patient is a 46-year-old mosque Kurdish servant presenting with complaints of pain in the right leg, lower back, right hand, and neck. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing redness in the right buttock and ipsilateral thigh, as well as gradually expanding and stiffening skin lesions on the left shin for the past 3 weeks. Painful neck movements and a positive Lasegue test were also observed in the right leg. The patient reports pain in the right buttock accompanied by a substantial erythematous area with induration measuring 8 × 15 cm, as well as an erythematous and maculopapular lesion measuring 6 × 18 cm on the left shin.ConclusionsOur patient is a 46-year-old man presenting with complaints of skin lesions and pain in the lower back, pelvis, neck, and limbs. The X-ray reveals shoulder, pelvis, knee, and ankle involvement, while spinal involvement is observed in the neck and lumbar region. Furthermore, the bone scan indicates extensive enthesopathy in various regions, a unique manifestation not previously reported in similar cases.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 37434212 · DOI · PMC10337142

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article Melorheostosis and Osteopoikilosis: A Review of Clinical Features and Pathogenesis [4]
    Wordsworth P, Chan M · Calcif Tissue Int · 2019 · cited 38 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome: a novel case series and systematic review [5]
    Pope V, Dupuis L, Kannu P, Mendoza-Londono R, Sajic D, So J, et al. · Br J Dermatol · 2016 · cited 28 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Papular elastorrhexis: a variant of dermatofibrosis lenticularis disseminata (Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome)? [6]
    Schirren H, Schirren CG, Stolz W, Kind P, Plewig G · Dermatology · 1994 · cited 28 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Osteopoikilosis: what does the rheumatologist must know about it? [7]
    Woyciechowsky TG, Monticielo MR, Keiserman B, Monticielo OA · Clin Rheumatol · 2012 · cited 24 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome: report of a case and interpretation of the clinical phenotype as a type 2 segmental manifestation of an autosomal dominant skin disease [8]
    Ehrig T, Cockerell CJ · J Am Acad Dermatol · 2003 · cited 21 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome--disseminated dermatofibrosis with osteopoikilosis [9]
    Verbov J, Graham R · Clin Exp Dermatol · 1986 · cited 20 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Baasanjav S, Jamsheer A, Kolanczyk M, Horn D, Latos T, Hoffmann K, et al.. Osteopoikilosis and multiple exostoses caused by novel mutations in LEMD3 and EXT1 genes respectively--coincidence within one family. . 2010. PMID 20618940 · DOI · PMC2912259
  2. Freire EBL, Brasil d'Alva C, Madeira MP, Lima GEDCP, Fernandes VO, Aguiar LB, et al.. Heterogeneity and high prevalence of bone manifestations, and bone mineral density in congenital generalized lipodystrophy subtypes 1 and 2. . 2024. PMID 38633760 · DOI · PMC11021684
  3. Mohsenpour B, Ahmadi A. Osteopoikilosis: a case report. . 2023. PMID 37434212 · DOI · PMC10337142
  4. Wordsworth P, Chan M. Melorheostosis and Osteopoikilosis: A Review of Clinical Features and Pathogenesis. Calcif Tissue Int. 2019. PMID 30989250 · DOI
  5. Pope V, Dupuis L, Kannu P, Mendoza-Londono R, Sajic D, So J, et al.. Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome: a novel case series and systematic review. Br J Dermatol. 2016. PMID 26708699 · DOI
  6. Schirren H, Schirren CG, Stolz W, Kind P, Plewig G. Papular elastorrhexis: a variant of dermatofibrosis lenticularis disseminata (Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome)?. Dermatology. 1994. PMID 7873822 · DOI
  7. Woyciechowsky TG, Monticielo MR, Keiserman B, Monticielo OA. Osteopoikilosis: what does the rheumatologist must know about it?. Clin Rheumatol. 2012. PMID 22246417 · DOI
  8. Ehrig T, Cockerell CJ. Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome: report of a case and interpretation of the clinical phenotype as a type 2 segmental manifestation of an autosomal dominant skin disease. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003. PMID 14639409 · DOI
  9. Verbov J, Graham R. Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome--disseminated dermatofibrosis with osteopoikilosis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1986. PMID 3519011 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-11-04.

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At a glance

468
PubMed records on this heading
4%
published since 2020
40
review articles
0
randomized trials
9
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-11-04; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

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