Regional migratory osteoporosis: a review illustrated by five cases

Regional migratory osteoporosis of the knee: a literature overview

The purpose of this article is to review the clinical syndrome of regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) of the knee and to highlight all the important aspects of diagnosis and management that can be helpful to the physician. RMO is a rare, self-limiting disease characterized by migrating arthralgia, bone marrow edema and osteoporosis. The pathogenesis of RMO remains controversial and is not yet fully elucidated. A thorough presentation of the disease is conducted with presentation of the clinical features (progressive pain and local tenderness), differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic criteria. The role of MRI is underlined and strategies for the treatment of RMO are presented.

Bone Marrow Edema: A Case of Regional Migratory Osteoporosis

Bone marrow edema represents a typical pattern on magnetic resonance imaging consisting of an area of abnormal bone signal with low to intermediate intensity on T1-weighted images and a high intensity on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. Bone marrow edema syndromes are a group of entities characterized by idiopathic bone marrow edema and osteoporosis. Regional migratory osteoporosis is a bone marrow edema syndrome characterized by a self-limited migrating arthralgia of the lower limbs not related to trauma or other events. Its clinical presentation is variable and may include a less frequent form of migration of the bone marrow edema within the same joint, illustrated here by means of a case report. Conservative treatment is the preferred approach to this condition, and usually, it resolves completely and with no sequelae. Physicians should be made aware of this condition to avoid unnecessary and costly diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

A case of regional migratory osteoporosis

We present the case of a middle-aged man with three episodes of regional migratory osteoporosis of the lower extremities occurring over a period of 8 years. Symptoms included a sudden onset of unilateral bone and joint pain. After initiation of pamidronate treatment, symptoms improved significantly. Regional migratory osteoporosis is a rare, but probably underdiagnosed condition with an unclear etiology. This case illustrates the importance of recognition of the disease in order to inform the patient, start treatment, and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Although in literature, not much is reported about treatment strategies, our patient was successfully treated with pamidronate after failure of oral bisphosphonates.

Asymmetric bone mineral density in the bilateral femoral necks due to gluteal implants: a case report

Interpreting asymmetric bone mineral density in the bilateral hips on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry requires investigation into the potential causes, both real and artifactual. Silicone gluteal implants have been reported to cause abnormally elevated bone mineral density. We report a case of abnormally low bone mineral density in a patient with bilateral gluteal implants. This is likely due to patient positioning and inability of the computer to identify the superior margin of the proximal femur and the femoral neck.

Transient Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome versus Osteonecrosis: Perfusion Patterns at Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging with High Temporal Resolution Can Allow Differentiation

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the perfusion patterns at quantitative dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of transient bone marrow edema syndrome (TBMES) and avascular osteonecrosis. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. Thirty-two patients (21 men, 11 women; mean age, 48 years; 26 hips, 10 knees) underwent conventional MR imaging and a dynamic contrast-enhanced three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo sequence at 3 T. Parameter maps for mean transit time (MTT) and plasma flow (PF) were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Differences in perfusion patterns were analyzed by using the Fisher exact test. Regions of interest were drawn in areas of high PF and long MTT on each parametric map. Mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values were determined. TBMES and osteonecrosis were compared statistically by using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with a P value of less than .05 considered indicative of a significant difference. Results Nineteen joints with TBMES and 17 joints with osteonecrosis were evaluated. TBMES joints showed a subchondral elongated area of high PF and low MTT that was surrounded by an area of long MTT and low PF. Osteonecrosis joints showed a subchondral area with low or no detectable PF and MTT adjacent to the joint surface, which was surrounded by a rim of high PF and intermediate MTT. Patterns for TBMES and osteonecrosis did not overlap. A significant difference (P < .001) in PF in the immediate subchondral area was found between TBMES and osteonecrosis; in joints with osteonecrosis, this was comparable to background noise, and therefore, could not be quantified. In the circumscribed rim of high PF and intermediate MTT, which was only found in joints with osteonecrosis, mean ± standard deviation PF was 18.9 mL/100 mL per minute ± 11.0 and mean MTT was 213.3 seconds ± 56.8. No significant difference between TBMES and osteonecrosis was found for MTT (P = .09) and PF (P = .75) in the surrounding area. Conclusion Parameter maps derived at dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with high temporal resolution can allow differentiation of osteonecrosis from TBMES in hip and knee joints. ^© RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Strategy and optimization of diagnostic imaging in painful hip in adults

Diagnostic imaging strategy in painful hip depends on many factors, but in all cases, plain X-ray is the first investigation. It may be sufficient to reach diagnosis and determine treatment options. More effective but more expensive exploration is indicated in two circumstances: when plain X-ray is non-contributive, and when diagnosis has been established but more accurate imaging assessment is needed to guide treatment. Following radiography, the choice of imaging techniques depends not only on the suspected pathology but also on the availability of equipment and its performance. MRI is probably the technique that provides the most comprehensive results; recent improved accessibility has significantly simplified the diagnostic algorithm. CT remains invaluable, and current techniques have reduced patient irradiation to a level similar to that of standard X-ray. Finally, cost is an important consideration in choosing the means of exploration, but the overall financial impact of the various strategies for diagnosis of painful hip is not well established. This article aims to provide a simple and effective diagnostic strategy for the assessment of painful hip, taking account of the clinical situation, and to detail the most typical semiologic patterns of each disease affecting this joint.

Painless transient bone marrow edema syndrome in a pediatric patient

Transient regional migratory osteoporosis, considered to be part of the spectrum of bone marrow edema syndrome, is a rare condition with an unknown etiology. Patients usually present with lower extremity pain, most commonly in the 4th-5th decades of life. We describe a 15-year-old male patient with type 1 Gaucher disease who presented with transient bone marrow edema syndrome with features most closely resembling regional migratory osteoporosis. The patient presented with bone marrow edema of the lateral tibial epiphysis of his right knee that was incidentally seen on routine surveillance MRI that was performed as protocol for patients with type 1 Gaucher disease on enzyme replacement therapy. At this time, the patient had no pain and physical examination was normal. Follow-up MRI of the right knee 4 months afterward showed complete resolution of the signal abnormality in the right tibial epiphysis, and repeat study 8 months later displayed a new focus of painless migratory edema of the medial tibial epiphysis of the same knee. These changes completely resolved as well. Marrow signal abnormalities in children with Gaucher disease can have a broad differential, including infection, marrow infiltration, trauma, osteonecrosis, and bone marrow edema syndrome, amongst others. Correct diagnosis of bone marrow edema syndrome is critical, as this disease process most often resolves on conservative measures. The unusual presentation of transient bone marrow edema syndrome with regional migratory osteoporosis features in a young patient with Gaucher disease is described.

Regional migratory osteoporosis and transient osteoporosis of the hip: are they all the same?

We hypothesized that regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) and transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) terms describe a common disease process. Therefore, based on our patient, we aimed to review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of both diseases. The patient was a pregnant woman in her third trimester with sacral insufficiency fracture, which was shortly followed by migratory arthralgia of both hips and ankles in a proximal to distal direction. She was operated (core decompression) for both hips and ankles, and she was symptom free at 17th month. RMO and TOH have an unclear etiology, share the similar course, and bear a self-limiting nature. Both disorders may be the same clinical entity with a common pathogenesis. Probably, many of RMO patients were labeled as TOH, and therefore, RMO has been underrepresented. In conclusion, we think that both RMO and TOH describe a common disease process. Either the diagnosis is RMO or TOH, the management will be the same. Finally, the conservative treatment protocol is a better treatment modality and must be obeyed even in resistant cases.

Transient peripartum osteoporosis of the femoral head in first and third pregnancy

The aim of this article was to present transient peripartum femoral head osteoporosis. This very rare condition occurred twice in our patient-a woman in her 30s. The cases described in the literature were mostly unilateral, with bilateral hip involvement noted much less frequently. In our patient, transient osteoporosis occurred in the third trimester of her first pregnancy in the right hip, her second pregnancy was uncomplicated, and in the third trimester of the patient's third pregnancy, osteoporotic changes were noted in the left hip joint. The patient breastfed her first and third babies only 3 wk each. She breastfed her second baby for 4 mo. The diagnostic workup was based on the clinical examination and radiographic/magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed bone marrow edema, and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The treatment consisted in core decompression of the femoral head (foragé), unloading of the hip using crutches as well as administration of calcitonin and calcium supplements. Complete recovery of the femoral heads was achieved. The follow-up time was 7 yr.

Transient bone marrow edema of the foot and ankle and its association with reduced systemic bone mineral density

BACKGROUND

Transient bone marrow edema in the foot and ankle is an uncommon condition that should be distinguished from early avascular necrosis, stress fracture, or bone bruise. The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation of pain with weightbearing without a history of trauma, combined with typical findings on magnetic resonance imaging. The etiology is not known, but recent case reports have suggested a possible link to systemic osteoporosis. This study examined the relationship between transient bone marrow edema of the foot and ankle and low systemic bone mineral density.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a period of 2 years, ten patients (eight women and two men) who were referred to our foot and ankle clinic were diagnosed as having transient bone marrow edema. Their mean age was 59 years. All underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and were tested for serum vitamin D levels. The patients were treated with either a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walker or a stiff-soled postoperative shoe and all recovered in 5 to 10 months.

RESULTS

Four patients were found to have osteoporosis and five had osteopenia. Only one patient had normal bone density. Serum vitamin D levels were low in nine patients, and normal in one.

CONCLUSION

Our study found a strong association with transient bone marrow edema in the foot and ankle and low systemic bone mineral density, which appears to be due to a vitamin D deficiency. We recommend that, when TBME is diagnosed, patients should be referred for assessment and treatment of their bone mineral density.

Transient bone marrow oedema syndrome: a report of two cases

Transient bone marrow edema syndrome (TBMES) is a disorder with unknown etiology and must be included in the differential diagnosis of hip pain. TBMES generally has a good prognosis but, it can be result in avascular necrosis (AVN). We present two cases diagnosed with TBMES, one of whom experienced full remission and the other who developed AVN.

Pathology of the distal phalanx in equine laminitis: more than just skin deep

The etiopathogenesis of laminitis is complex and involves multiple tissue types. It may be initiated by biomechanical, traumatic, inflammatory, vascular, toxic, and metabolic factors. Although histopathologic changes occurring within the lamellae of experimental models of laminitis are well described and reported, histopathologic changes occurring in the distal phalanx are not, even though gross and radiographic evidence of disease are often apparent and bony lesions could be considered a significant source of pain. Recent scientific evidence indicates that the microenvironment of bone is an important modulator of inflammatory processes that can both influence, and be influenced by components of other organ systems, including the immune, nervous, gastrointestinal, and integumentary systems. This article describes various laminitis-associated histopathological changes in the distal phalanx, introduces concepts of osteoimmunology with regards to equine laminitis, and provides a rationale for histopathological examination of the distal phalanx, as well as the soft tissue structures of the lamellae and corium in laminitis cases.

Bicondylar spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee: A case report

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee was originally described as a distinct disorder in 1968. Characteristic imaging findings and distinctive demographic and clinical factors help distinguish this disease from other osteonecrotic conditions, with which it can be confused. This report presents a rare, atypical case of bicondylar spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee in a young patient, and highlights the importance of a clear understanding of the clinical and radiographic characteristics of this condition to accurately diagnose and treat it when evaluating osteonecrotic lesions of the knee.

Bone marrow oedema of the knee

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a frequently performed investigation for disease of the knee. Bone marrow oedema (BME) is a common MR finding with a number of causes including trauma, tumour, infection, inflammatory arthropathies and BME syndromes. This article illustrates the range of MR appearances of BME around the knee and describes secondary signs that allow the reader to determine the cause of disease and to distinguish BME from normal marrow signal changes.

Bone marrow edema syndrome

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) refers to transient clinical conditions with unknown pathogenic mechanism, such as transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH), regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO), and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). BMES is primarily characterized by bone marrow edema (BME) pattern. The disease mainly affects the hip, the knee, and the ankle of middle-aged males. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of the disease. Unfortunately, the etiology of BMES remains obscure. The hallmark that separates BMES from other conditions presented with BME pattern is its self-limited nature. Laboratory tests usually do not contribute to the diagnosis. Histological examination of the lesion is unnecessary. Plain radiographs may reveal regional osseous demineralization. Magnetic resonance imaging is mainly used for the early diagnosis and monitoring the progression of the disease. Early differentiation from other aggressive conditions with long-term sequelae is essential in order to avoid unnecessary treatment. Clinical entities, such as TOH, RMO, and RSD are spontaneously resolving, and surgical treatment is not needed. On the other hand, early differential diagnosis and surgical treatment in case of osteonecrosis is of crucial importance.

Acute nontraumatic adult knee pain: the role of MR imaging

Acute nontraumatic pain in the adult knee can be seen in many settings, such as transient bone marrow oedema syndrome (TBMOS), regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO), spontaneous osteonecrosis (SONK) and insufficiency fractures. Early differentiation among them is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatment. TBMOS and RMO are considered to be self-limiting conditions without longterm sequelae. On the other hand, the clinical course of SONK is thought to be dependent on the size of osteonecrosis. Recent data suggest the term SONK is misleading one and should be replaced. Insufficiency fractures may demonstrate a similar clinical syndrome without a history of a single traumatic injury. The imaging pathway for knee pain has evolved considerably with the advent of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which is very sensitive in the early depiction of bone marrow oedema. Therefore, in patients with acute nontraumatic knee pain whose radiographs are negative or inconclusive, MR imaging is the method of choice for further evaluation. This article discusses the potential aetiologies and reviews MR imaging findings of the most common disorders afflicting the subchondral knee-joint area.

Transient osteoporosis

Transient osteoporosis is characterized primarily by bone marrow edema. The disease most commonly affects the hip, knee, and ankle in middle-aged men. Its cause remains unknown. The hallmark that separates transient osteoporosis from other conditions presenting with a bone marrow edema pattern is its self-limited nature. Laboratory tests usually do not contribute to the diagnosis. Plain radiographs may reveal regional osseous demineralization. Magnetic resonance imaging is used primarily for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Early differentiation from more aggressive conditions with long-term sequelae is essential to avoid unnecessary treatment. Clinical entities such as transient osteoporosis of the hip and regional migratory osteoporosis are spontaneously resolving conditions. However, early differential diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for the patient with osteonecrosis of the hip or knee.

Regional migratory osteoporosis

Regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) is an uncommon disease characterised by a migrating arthralgia involving the weight bearing joints of the lower limb. The typical imaging findings on radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and bone scintigraphy are described and illustrated. Men in their fifth and sixth decades of life are most commonly affected. The most common presentation is with proximal to distal spread in the lower limb. The world literature has been reviewed which has revealed 63 documented cases of regional osteoporosis or bone marrow oedema with migratory symptoms. Most of these cases have not been labelled as RMO and therefore the condition is probably under-diagnosed. The radiology of RMO is indistinguishable from transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) except for the migratory symptoms and the two conditions are likely to be part of the same spectrum of disease. Systemic osteoporosis is a more recently recognised accompanying feature that hints at an underlying aetiology and an approach to the management of this condition.

Regional migratory osteoporosis in the knee: MRI findings in 22 patients and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Acute non-traumatic bone marrow edema (BME) in the knee is a common clinical problem. The aim of the present study is to present the MR imaging findings of the uncommon transient migratory pattern of this syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients (21 men, 1 woman, age range 35-73 years, mean 49.4+/-7.6) who presented with pain in the knee joint (ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months) and BME in the MR imaging examination, were included in the study. In all cases, the knee joint BME was either preceded or followed by another site of BME in the same or another joint. All patients were studied with plain X-rays and MR imaging at presentation and with MR imaging after resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS

The eight patients with initial involvement in the knee showed migration either intra-articularly (5), or/and in the contralateral knee (2) and only 1 case showed migration to the ipsilateral hip joint. In two patients the BME shifted from the hip first to the foot and then to the knee. The median migration period was 4 months for the second involvement in all patients and 3 months for the third involvement (10 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reports the largest series of patients with regional migratory osteoporosis involving the knee. In most of the cases, shifting of BME remains in the joint or moves to the contralateral knee. In only one case the BME shifted from the knee elsewhere. All lesions were transient.

Bone marrow edema syndromes of the hip: MRI features in different hip disorders

The objectives of this study were to describe the essential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of bone marrow edema syndromes affecting the hip joint. In addition, to evaluate the role of MRI in the assessment of hip joint involvement in different clinical settings that may share similar clinical findings. Thirty-four patients who complained of hip pain were studied consecutively. Of these, 21 were men (61.8%) and 13 were women (38.2%). After clinical assessment of possible hip disease, plain radiograph and MRI study of both hips were performed. The literature was searched using keywords: bone marrow edema, hip, and MRI. All patients had antalgic gait and limping. Initial clinical examination revealed painful limited internal and external rotation of the affected hip/hips suspect for hip disease. Unilateral hip involvement was identified in 31 patients (91.2%), and bilateral hip involvement was found in three patients (8.8%), with a total of 37 hips evaluated by MRI. The final diagnoses in our patients were: reactive arthritis (1), transient osteoporosis (7), avascular necrosis (10), osteoarthritis (2), tuberculous arthritis (4), septic arthritis (2), osteomyelitis (2), sickle cell anemia (2), lymphocytic leukemia (1), and femoral stress fracture (3). Bone marrow edema affecting the hip is neither a specific MR imaging finding nor a specific diagnosis and may be encountered in a variety of hip disorders due to different etiologies. MR imaging is the modality of choice when clinical examination is suspect for hip disease and plain radiographs are normal or equivocal. Early diagnosis and treatment is important in many of the disorders. The literature is reviewed regarding bone marrow edema of the hip.

Bone marrow edema in sports: general concepts

This paper will discuss the value of medical imaging in the detection and follow-up of bone marrow edema (BME), resulting from acute and chronic trauma in sports. MR imaging is the only imaging technique that allows direct evaluation of bone marrow edema in sports medicine. The use of fat suppressed T2-weighted or STIR images is particularly appropriate to detect bone marrow edema. The extent of bone marrow edema reflects the biomechanics of trauma. Compressive forces between two bony structures will result in extensive areas of bone marrow edema, whereas distraction forces provoke more subtle areas of bone marrow edema at the insertion of supporting structures of joints. In most clinical situations, a combination of compression and distraction forces is present, causing a complex pattern of bone marrow edema. A meticulous pattern approach of the distribution of these bone marrow changes around a joint can reveal in most instances the underlying mechanism of trauma. This may be helpful to analyze which joint supporting structures may be at risk. In the acute setting, plain radiography and CT scan may have an additional role in the detection of small avulsion fractures occurring at the site of minor areas of bone marrow edema. The clinical significance and natural history of bone marrow edema is still a matter of debate.

MRI findings in regional migratory osteoporosis of the knee migrating from the femur to the tibia

Regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO) is an uncommon self-limiting disease characterized by migrating bone marrow edema and osteoporosis. RMO of the knee with intra-articular migration is very rare. In such cases, different parts of the femur are usually involved. We report a case of intra-articular RMO of the knee migrating from the femur to the tibia--a pattern of migration that has not been previously described in the literature.