Transient bone marrow oedema of the knee

To evaluate the role of MRI in the diagnosis of transient bone marrow oedema of the knee.

All cases were analysed with plain film and MR. Bone scan was performed to one of them. Laboratory tests were obtained in all 8 cases and core decompression was performed in two cases.

The study includes 8 patients, 7 men and 1 woman with ages ranging from 33 to 74 years with severe knee pain, tenderness and slightly limited range of motion.

Radiographs were unremarkable in terms of osteopenia because they were obtained early in the course of the disease and proved to be of no value in the diagnosis. MR is the imaging modality of choice showing low signal intensity in T1WI and increased signal intensity in T2WI with no joint destruction, fractures, bone death, periostitis or cortical disruption. Bone scan showed increase uptake of the affected area. Laboratory tests were normal. Spontaneous resolution was the rule. It should not be a diagnosis of exclusion and it should be ruled out every time a patient presents with pain and limited range of motion in the absence of history of trauma.