Kashin-Beck's disease.

A case of Kashin-Beck's disease is presented. It is an acquired, disabling, polyarthritic, degenerative condition of early onset, sometimes leading to a variable degree of dwarfism. It occurs endemically in certain Asian areas. Treatment is, if possible, preventive. In the established disease the therapy is that of any other form of secondary osteoarthritis. Reconstructive surgery and removal of loose bodies may be needed in severe cases (11). Early detection, facilitated by careful family history taking, is a prime requisite, especially in non-endemic areas (7).