Digital clubbing was first described by Hippocrates over 2500 years ago. This condition may occur as isolated finding or part of the hypertrophic osteoarthropathy syndrome, characterized by periostitis, arthritis, and at times thickening and edema of the skin surrounding the affected joints. Numerous diseases have been associated with this manifestation. In this article, we have reviewed the etiology, pathophysiology, and various theories aimed at explaining the occurrence of digital clubbing.
What is already known about the topic?
Digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy have significant semiotic value. Numerous diseases have been associated with this manifestation but the pathophysiology remains unclear.
What does this article bring up for us?
We reviewed current data about the links between these semiotic events, the definition of the various entities, their pathophysiology and their treatment.
Key words
Clubbing, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy