Ochronosis of hip joint; a case report

BACKGROUND: Ochronosis is connective tissue manifestation of Alkaptonuria. Joint involvement specially hip and knee destruction is seen. The cartilage is pigmented and destroyed. It is interested for both pathologists and orthopedic surgeons. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54 years old woman with hip fracture after simple falling is candidate for surgery, but, after skin and subcutaneous incision over deep fascia there was dark blue pigmentation which continues toward hip joint. After biopsy of soft tissues and bone, in another operation, we replace hip joint. CONCLUSION: In this case, besides of cartilage destruction of hip joint, there was a lythic lesion of neck of femur which causes pathologic fracture of hip joint. We planned Total hip replacement instead of bipolar for her because of cartilage damage of acetabulum.