Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism, histology of a brown tumour at high magnification
Histology of a brown tumour at high magnification. Image by Nephron, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders in Orthopaedic Surgery

Hyperparathyroidism

TypeDescription
Primaryde novo from the gland
Secondarydue to hypocalcaemia e.g. CRF, but remains reversible
Tertiaryautonomous adenoma from long standing stimulation
Types of Hyperparathyroidism

Clinical

  • Stone, groans & bones
  • Lethargic
  • Thinning of bones
  • Distal tufts of finger & clavicle may erode

Investigations

Hyperparathyroidism, hand radiographs showing brown tumours in hyperparathyroidism
Hand radiographs showing brown tumours in hyperparathyroidism. Image by Frank Gaillard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • Increased Ca
  • Decreased phosphorus
  • Increased alkaline phosphatase

Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.