Correlation between type of leprosy and specific and non-specific bone lesions

This study is probably one of its kinds in Pakistan, in which radiological assessment was done in order to find out which type of leprosy has higher frequency of specific and non-specific bone lesions. Forty four patients of leprosy were selected after clinical and laboratory tests. They comprised lepromatous (LL), borderline lepromatous (BL), borderline tuberculoid (BT) and indeterminate (polyneurotic)(IL) types of leprosy. The lepromatous (LL) and borderline tuberculoid (BT) showed maximum specific and nonspecific bone lesions in hands and feet. The radiologist has seldom any role in making initial diagnosis, but has got a vital part to play in assessing the disease activity and extent of bone involvement. In cases of lepromatous and borderline tuberculoid type of leprosy, it is advisable to have serial X-rays of hands and feet routinely to detect any bone lesions and associated complications to help the surgeons in planning reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.