ALKAPTONURIA PRESENTING AS LUMBAR DISC PROLAPSE - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder caused by deficiency of the en zyme homogentisic acid oxidase, resulting in accumulation of homogenti sic acid in various body tissues; it produces a multisystemic disorder with a characteristic bluish-black discolouration of the skin and car tilage, termed ochranosis. Ochranosis primarily involves the large joi nts of the body including the spine. Spinal involvement produces loss of flexibility and ankylosis of the thoracic and lumbar segments.(1) T he clinical presentation with spondylosis and canal stenosis is common after the third and fourth decades,(2) but intervertebral disc prolap se is unusual in ochranosis.