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Bone and Joint Disorders on Tristan da Cunha


P Beighton
HA Valkenburg

Abstract

In an investigation of bone and joint disorders among the islanders of Tristan da Cunha, a total of 111 individuals aged 35 years and over were examined. These represented 87% of the population in this age group. Serological studies of rheumatoid factor and radiographic examination of the hands were carried out respectively in 74% and 70010 of this adult population. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthrosis did not differ to any great extent from that which would be expected to occur in a similar community in Europe. Classical gout was observed in one middle-aged male. Clinodactyly of the fifth finger was transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait in 12 members of the Glass family. Dupuytren's contracture, traumatic lesions and arthralgic complaints were frequently encountered.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 743 (1974)

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574