JUXTA-ARTICULAR ADIPOSIS DOLOROSA

Generalized adiposis dolorosa is not common, but it is not easily overlooked on account of the universal distribution of the tenderness of the deposits of fat. Localized hypersensitivity of the fat tissues, on the other hand, is common and often remains unrecognized because it is not looked for or is misinterpreted. The following report concerns a study of cases of localized tenderness of fat around the joints in 112 patients, who were observed within the last six years. DEFINITION AND SYMPTOMATOLOGY I apply the term juxta-articular adiposis dolorosa to accumulations of subcutaneous fat around the joints, which are markedly tender to touch or pressure and are not connected with gross alterations of the sensitivity of the overlying skin. The condition occurs most frequently in obese women past middle age. It is usually bilateral, although one side may be affected more than the other. The distribution is characteristic. Most frequently the