Large joint arthropathy

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteochondropathy characterized by cartilage necrosis, leading to degenerative osteoarthropathy. This disease predominantly affects children and adolescents aged 3 to 12 years. It exhibits distinct regional specificity, and attention should be paid to this disease in selenium-deficient areas, with timely selenium supplementation. The main symptoms include general fatigue, multiple and symmetrical joint pain and swelling, restricted movement in multiple joints, ultimately leading to joint deformities. Based on the severity of the condition, it can be divided into three degrees. Degree I: Thickened finger joints. Characterized by multiple, symmetrical thickening of finger or other limb joints, and mild functional impairment. Degree II: Brachydactyly (short fingers/toes) and short limb deformities. Characterized by symmetrical brachydactyly, with no or minimal short limb deformities. Significant motor impairment and varying degrees of joint movement restriction may occur. Atrophy of skeletal muscles is common. Degree III: Dwarfism. Characterized by short fingers, short limbs, spinal curvature, and other deformities affecting multiple joints and sites, collectively referred to as dwarfism. The earlier the onset, the more severe the condition.