From the Guidelines
Bone marrow edema is typically caused by trauma, infection, inflammatory conditions, or certain cancers, and its diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying cause, as determined by medical evaluation and imaging studies such as MRI, as seen in studies like 1 and 2. The causes of bone marrow edema can be varied and complex, and a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Some possible causes of bone marrow edema include:
- Trauma, such as fractures or sports injuries
- Infection, such as osteomyelitis
- Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis
- Certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma or leukemia
- Other conditions, such as osteoporosis or bone marrow failure syndromes, as discussed in 3 The diagnosis of bone marrow edema typically involves imaging studies, such as MRI, which can detect the increased water content in the bone marrow that characterizes this condition, as seen in 1 and 2. Treatment of bone marrow edema depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Pain management with NSAIDs or other medications
- Physical therapy and rest
- Activity modification
- Antibiotics for infection
- Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
- Specific therapies for autoimmune conditions or cancer It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider promptly if symptoms of bone marrow edema occur, such as bone pain, joint pain, or limited mobility, to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment, as discussed in 1, 2, and 3.
From the Research
Causes of Bone Marrow Edema
- Bone marrow edema (BME) is defined as an excess of fluids that builds up in the bone marrow, commonly found due to various causes including osteoporosis, trauma, infections, ischemia, or neoplasia 4
- BME can be caused by, and found concurrent with, a broad spectrum of pathologies which exhibit a variety of imaging findings, such as malignant hemopathies, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, osteoarthritis, and bone marrow edema syndromes 5, 6
- The underlying causes of bone marrow oedema syndrome are diverse, and it is widely assumed that in cases of BMO, local bone resorption is increased 7
- Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a relatively uncommon clinical condition, and its causes are not well understood, leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment 8
Associated Conditions
- BME is associated with numerous pathologies, including malignant hemopathies, such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma 4
- BME is also associated with inflammatory and rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis 6
- Osteoarthritis and bone marrow edema syndromes are also linked to BME 6