Lower Limb Pain Attributed to Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome: A Commonly Ignored Pathology

Abstract

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a highly uncommon, self-limited syndrome of unclear etiology. The syndrome most commonly affects middle-aged men. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential for the diagnosis because of the characteristic pattern of bone marrow edema. The diagnosis of BMES is a challenge for clinicians. Other causes of lower extremity pain, with poor prognosis, must be excluded. We present three cases of BMES. All three patients initially complained of mild lower extremity pain, which progressively deteriorated and led to a severe limitation of their daily activities. They were all treated conservatively by weight-bearing restriction and symptoms resulted within a few months. The aim of the present study is to outline this rare, benign pathology.