Ochronotic arthropathy effectively treated with total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a case report

Ochronosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of tyrosine metabolism characterized by multilevel spinal degeneration and arthritis of large weight-bearing joints, which is referred to as ochronotic arthropathy. In this case report, we describe diagnosis and treatment of ochronotic arthropathy in a patient who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Harris hip score was 26 preoperatively and 45, 68, 76, 90, 92, and 94 at 1, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 14 months, respectively, postoperatively. The forgotten joint score (FJS) of the hip was 27.8, 52.8, 81.1, 89.0, 90.6, and 92.4 at 1, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 14 months, respectively, postoperatively. TKA was performed 8 months after THA. The Knee Society Score was 36 before TKA and 74, 82, and 90 at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, after TKA. The FJS of the knee was 36.6, 63.9, and 84.5 at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, after TKA. The patient’s knee range of motion returned to normal, with significant reduction in pain and improved satisfaction levels after TKA. THA and TKA can achieve good clinical outcomes in patients with ochronosis accompanied by severe joint pain.