Renal osteodystrophy: magnification radiography of target sites of absorption

A comprehensive radiographic analysis was made of 20 patients with renal osteodystrophy who were maintained on hemodialysis. Radiographic skeletal surveys were combined with selective magnification views of the phalangeal shafts, phalangeal tufts, and calcaneus, and similar magnification studies were obtained in a "control" population. Results indicate the importance of macroradiography in the early diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy, the sensitivity of bone resorption in the phalanges and tufts in this disease, and the occurrence of plantar calcaneal erosions which may simulate the changes accompanying certain articular disorders.