Hip pain and retinoids (Isotretinoin)

Abstract

The retinoids are classes of chemical compounds that are related chemically to vitamin A. Retinoids are used in medicine, primarily due to the way they regulate epithelial cell growth. Retinoids are used in the treatment of many diverse diseases and are effective in the treatment of a number of dermatological conditions such as inflammatory skin disorders, skin cancers, disorders of increased cell turnover e.g. psoriasis and photo aging. Common skin conditions treated by retinoids include acne and psoriasis. These compounds being widely used have serious documented side effects including myalgia and arthralgia.

We present a case where an 18 years male patient was given Isotretinoin a higher generations of retinoid, for his acne and after taking it for three days he presented in emergency department with severe hips pain, unable to stand and walk. This case has indicated that hip pain can be a result of a side effect of retinoids and its derivatives or new generation of retinoids.