Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: review of orthopaedic complications at maturity.
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a childhood, bone disorder causing bone pain, swelling, malaise, and fever. A study of 22 children with CRMO, treated at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, was reported previously. This present study reviews 8 of these, together with 4 additional patients. The patients were interviewed and examined by the first two authors, who had not been involved in their management. The patients were 9 females and 3 males, with a mean age of 22 years (16-31 years). Age at onset of symptoms was between 4 and 11 years and duration 2.5-20 years. Only 1 patient experienced difficulties in school and in maintaining a job. However, only 2 patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms. The number of affected sites was 2-9, most commonly ankle, knee, and clavicle. Seven patients have noticeable deformity. Five had leg-length inequality of at least 1.5 cm, one of whom, with shortening of 5.5 cm, has undergone a lengthening procedure. CRMO is not a benign condition and if not followed to maturity can have disabling sequelae.
Duffy
Catherine M
CM
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Cathmarduf@cs.com
Lam
Pei Yoong
PY
Ditchfield
Michael
M
Allen
Roger
R
Graham
H Kerr
HK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index