Tubulation

Tubulation is the adult-type appearance of long bones with a diaphyseal narrowing or constriction that forms due to periosteal bone resorption and endosteal bone formation at the metaphysis during longitudinal bone growth at the physis.

Related pathology

Numerous diseases can affect tubulation. For example :

• overtubulation: narrow, gracile
  • osteogenesis imperfecta
  • neurofibromatosis
  • paralysis
  • radiation therapy
• undertubulation: wide, broad (results in an Erlenmeyer flask deformity)
  • Gaucher disease
  • thalassemia
  • craniometaphyseal dysplasia