A CASE OF ALKAPTONURIA

Abstract

A 63 year old man presented with sudden onset of severe hip pain for the past one month. Physical examination revealed black pigmentation of sclera and blackening of ear lobes. The urine darkened on standing. X- Ray showed degenerative changes in the right hip joint. Biochemical investigations which included urine Benedict’s test and ammoniacal silver nitrate test were positive, suggestive of alkaptonuria. Intra- operative findings also revealed black pigment depositions on the head of the femur. No other complications or systemic abnormalities were detected.