Differential Diagnosis of MED
What other conditions can be confused with MED?
Inflammatory arthritis: the pain and symmetry of involvement are sometimes mistaken for inflammatory arthritis. On closer evaluation, the absence of signs and symptoms of inflammation usually suffices to rule out this condition.
Hypothyroidism: occult hypothyroidism can lead to developmental skeletal abnormalities that may closely resemble some of the hereditary epiphyseal dysplasias. Thyroid function should always be checked when a diagnosis of epiphyseal dysplasia is being considered.
Juvenile osteochondrosis: these disorders, including Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, may have a radiographic appearance similar to epiphyseal dysplasia but are usually limited to a single joint.
