Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Three adult patients with cystic fibrosis presented with arthralgia, and investigation for 
the usual causes of arthritis proved negative. Radiographs of long bones 
revealed periostitis and new bone fromation characteristic of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Symptomatic 
improvement occurred after analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy. In patients with cystic 
fibrosis and bone or joint pain, the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy 
should be considered and long bone radiographs obtained. 