Tophi in the bones

“Tophi in the bones” refers to a condition where tophi, which are deposits of urate crystals, form within the bone structure. This is less common than subcutaneous or periarticular tophi but can occur in severe cases of chronic gout. When tophi form in the bones, they typically create erosions or cavities that can be visible on X-rays as “punched-out” lesions, often surrounded by a sclerotic border. This can lead to bone damage, pain, and increased likelihood of fractures if the structural integrity of the bone is compromised.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology