Avascular Necrosis of the Metacarpal Head: A Case of Dietrich’s Disease and Review of the Literature

Background

There have been few reports in the literature of avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head, also called Dietrich’s disease. The earliest description of the disease process appeared in the early 1930s [1]. Dietrich’s disease has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [2], steroid use [3], and trauma [4], although it is more commonly idiopathic. The disease process is generally a diagnosis of exclusion, and more commonly affects men.

Here we report a case of Dietrich’s disease in a young patient, and emphasize the importance of considering this unusual diagnosis in cases of unexplained metacarpal pain. We present an overview of the presentation, pathogenesis, investigation and treatment of this uncommon entity.

Case Report

A 36-year-old male electrician presented with a 1-year history of pain associated with crepitation involving his right middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). Stretching his finger afforded him only short-term pain relief. Clinical examination was unremarkable except for subtle crepitation involving his dorsal right middle MCP joint. There was no visible asymmetry, and he had normal range of motion in the joint. His flex-or and extensor mechanisms were uninvolved.

Routine blood investigations, including full blood count and renal profile were normal. Markers of acute inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were within normal limits. Serology for rheumatoid factor, smooth muscle, mitochondrial, and antinuclear antibodies were also negative.

Initial plain-film radiographs of his right hand were non-contributory (Figures 1–3). Subsequent MRI demonstrated a 7-mm focus of osteonecrosis in the distal end of the head of the third metacarpal on the volar surface (Figure 4). A diagnosis of idiopathic Dietrich’s disease was made. Further imaging, including bone scan and SPECT computed tomography (CT), demonstrated secondary multi-focal low-grade arthropathy involving bilateral first carpometacarpal articulations, and the third MCP joints bilaterally, more marked on the right side. Arthropathy was also noted in several of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints bilaterally. Given his excellent functional status, a conservative approach to treatment was preferred. He responded to rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and hand therapy. An MRI done at 6-month follow-up demonstrated no interval progression of disease.

Discussion

Dietrich’s disease is an uncommon condition affecting the metacarpal bones. Although any of the metacarpals may be involved, the middle (or long) finger metacarpal head, as in our case, has been recognized as the most common site of avascular necrosis (46%). The index (19%), ring (19%), and little fingers (12%) are less commonly involved. The thumb is only involved in 5% of cases. There is a slight male preponderance, with the male-to-female ratio of 3:2 quoted in the literature. Patients usually present in the 3rd decade of life, but may present at any age [3]. Flattening and collapse of the metacarpal head may be seen on plain-film radiography, although additional scintigraphy or MRI may be required for diagnosis [5,6].

The underlying pathogenesis of Dietrich’s disease is not clearly understood. Wright and Dell report that in 35% of specimens in their cadaveric study, the metacarpal head lacked a central arteriole. As such, the metacarpal head must derive its blood supply from small circumferential pericapsular blood vessels, with the situation more pronounced in the middle finger. It is thought that any compromise to these small pericapsular vessels may contribute to necrosis of the metacarpal head. In cases of SLE, vasculitis of these end-vessels is thought to lead to necrosis [3]. The condition may also share the same underlying pathogenesis as Freiberg disease, and simultaneous presentation of the two conditions has been recently reported [7].

This case demonstrates avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head, which in itself is an unusual radiological finding. The patient presents with no prior history of steroid use, SLE, or trauma. It is suggested that, in his work as an electrician, an element of repetitive stress or microtrauma to his MCP joint may possibly have contributed to developing the condition.

Given the rarity of the condition, there is no clear consensus on treatment. Rest, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to control symptoms, and conservative treatment has been reported to be successful [8]. When conservative treatment fails, surgery may be considered. Curettage and cancellous bone graft from the distal radius to fill the subchondral defect has been described [6]. Other novel techniques, including osteochondral mosaicplasty [9], flexion osteotomy of the metacarpal head [10], and arthroplasty [6], have also been reported.

Whether this patient will be at an increased risk of early arthritic involvement of his MCP joint in the future remains to be seen. Nevertheless, his excellent functional status and resolution of pain demonstrate that conservative therapy can be successful. Surgery can be considered if symptoms return and become refractory to conservative measures.

Conclusions

This report describes the presentation, investigation, and treatment of a rarely described entity. Although uncommon, Dietrich’s disease should be considered as a possible diagnosis in cases of unexplained metacarpal pain, when routine blood investigations and plain-film imaging studies are unremarkable.