Bone scanning in occupational acro-osteolysis

Abstract

Occupational acro-osteolysis occurring as a result of prolonged exposure to the monomer of vinyl chloride during the manufacture of the plastic material, polyvinyl chloride, has been recognised as an industrial hazard for more than a decade. The factors postulated for its development are a chemical insult, a physical insult, and a personal idiosyncrasy. Following change in employment, to ensure no further contact with polyvinyl chloride, correlated serial radiological and scintigraphic studies are presented in an affected patient over a period of five years. Both techniques showed marked improvement in the hands, attributed to reduction in manual trauma, whereas areas of stress during normal physical function showed persistent scintigraphic activity. Underlying vascular changes were observed also to regress in serial examinations by capillary microscopy.