infantile cortical hyperostosis n.
A painful thickening of membrane surrounding soft bone tissue, especially in the mandible, the clavicles, and the shafts of long bones, following fever and usually appearing before six months of age and disappearing during childhood. Also called Caffey's disease, Caffey's syndrome.
infantile cortical hyperostosis
a hereditary disease of infants, characterized by swellings of the periosteum (the bone layer where new bone is produced) and the bone cortex of the upper arms, shoulder girdle, and lower jaw. The disease is accompanied by fever and irritability; after a series of periodic exacerbations, it subsides spontaneously.
Learn more about infantile cortical hyperostosis with a free trial on Britannica.com.