Osteochondritis Lesions of the Ischiopubic Area in Young Adolescents

Osteochondritis of the ischiopubic area is a rare disease of children that presents with hip pain and limping. Careful examination and appropriate investigations are essential to establish a definite diagnosis. We report a case series of four children, ages 10-14-year-old, with osteochondritis of the ischiopubic area. Plain X-ray examination showed an area of diffuse irregular calcification of the ischium in two of the children, while in the other two there was an asymmetrical enlargement of the ischiopubic synchondrosis. MRI investigation was the most helpful examination. Bone edema was found in all four children. A calcified mass separated from the host ischium was found in the first two children. The cortex was normal, without irregular destruction. Bone edema of both the ischium and pubic alongside the synchondrosis was found in the following two children, with intact cortices and asymmetrical enlargement. Osteochondritis lesions of the ischium and the ischiopubic area have radiological findings similar to several severe diseases. Bone edema on MRI investigation in children must be properly evaluated. Appropriate radiological examination enabled us to confirm the diagnosis of the osteochondritis and to avoid unnecessary procedures. We want to draw attention to the rare diagnosis of osteochondritis of the ischiopubic area, and the clinical significance, as a cause of hip pain and limping in children.