Current knowledge and future prospects for SAPHO syndrome

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by osteoarticular and cutaneous symptoms. Most patients experience bone pain and dermatologic manifestations. Diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome is based on exclusion of infectious arthritis and septic osteomyelitis with findings of hyperostosis or chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis involving axial or peripheral skeleton, with or without skin manifestations. The pathophysiology of SAPHO is unclear, although several hypotheses exist. Some of these hypotheses have led to the ever growing treatment options of medications. Broad varieties of medications have been used, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying agents. New therapeutic options, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have evolved and have shown promising results.