Differential Diagnosis for Bone Marrow Edema of the Distal Fibula
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Undisplaced Salter-Harris Type I fracture of the distal fibula: This diagnosis is most likely due to the presence of bone marrow edema in the distal fibula, a linear region of low signal extending from the physis distally, and the absence of a widened physis or ligamentous injury.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Undisplaced Salter-Harris Type II fracture of the distal fibula: Although the physis is not widened, the presence of bone marrow edema superior to the physis could suggest a Type II fracture.
- Stress fracture of the distal fibula: The presence of bone marrow edema and a linear region of low signal could also be indicative of a stress fracture.
- Traumatic injury to the distal fibula: The presence of bone marrow edema and a linear region of low signal could be due to a traumatic injury, such as a contusion or a bruise.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis: Although unlikely, osteomyelitis could present with bone marrow edema and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if there are signs of infection or inflammation.
- Malignant bone tumor: A malignant bone tumor, such as osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma, could present with bone marrow edema and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if there are signs of aggressive bone destruction.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Fibular aplasia or hypoucheroucher: A rare congenital condition where the fibula is absent or incomplete, which could present with abnormal bone marrow signal.
- Fibrous dysoucheroucher: A rare condition where the fibula is replaced by fibrous tissue, which could present with abnormal bone marrow signal.
- Bone infarct: A rare condition where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, which could present with bone marrow edema.