Azed 1823

[cruciverbali]

Can someone please explain the wordplay for MITRES at 21 across - 'bone' seems to be otiose in this clue ?

Cruciverbalist

[Aquagility]

What is the clue, CVB?

[cruciverbali]

Sorry AquaG !

21a: Joints tire badly in grip of chronic bone disease (6)

Cruciverbalist

[Aquagility]

Yes, CVB. Otiose, as you say, though not inaccurate. As I understand it, MS is a form of bone disease.

[cruciverbali]

This is why I'm confused - the only MS with a chronic bone disease connection I can find is a condition called Musculoskeletal Sarcoid,and I'm sure this isn't a recognised acronym. I suspect the inclusion of 'bone' therefore may be an error, unless someone can shed further light on it.

Cruciverbalist

[kettledrum]

No...I think it's inaccurate as well... MS - multiple sclerosis - is a disease of the central nervous system, not a bone disease.

[cruciverbali]

Thanks for your thoughts, Kettledrum. I wonder if bone could be a typo for brain perhaps ?

Cruciverbalist

[Aquagility]

That sounds quite likely.
(I stand corrected re. my understanding of MS)
Aquagility (in full!)

[kettledrum]

I hadn't thought of it being a typo......probably the most likely explanation.

[dr john]

More likely a boo-boo on Azed's part - he freely admits to having a bit of difficulty sometimes with the scientific stuff. Look out for an apology in next month's Azed slip, if you're a subscriber.