Magnetic resonance imaging depiction of tight iliotibial band in melorheostosis associated with severe external rotation deformity, limb shortening and patellar dislocation in planning surgical correction.

We present the case of a 14-year-old male with melorhesotosis and severe iliotibial band tightness which was associated with femoral shortening, severe external rotational deformity of the femur, genu valgum and patellar dislocation in the right lower extremity. Skeletal survey revealed irregular radiodense streaks involving the pelvis, femoral head, femoral shaft, distal femoral epiphysis, talus and middle phalangeal bones of the foot. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed thickening of the iliotibial band in addition to low MR signal changes in the bone. Intraoperatively fibrosis in the subcutaneous layer and a thickened iliotibial band were found. MR images were very useful in understanding the soft tissue pathoanatomy in melorheostosis and planning surgical correction.