Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis in a Child's Hand: Case Report and Review

We present a 9-year-old girl with persistent pain and swelling of the left wrist. X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone biopsy led to the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), affecting phalangeal and metacarpal bases and distal carpal bones on the ulnar side of the wrist. She was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complete remission with no long-term sequelae was achieved. CRMO is a rare auto-inflammatory condition with infrequent involvement of the hand. The current literature is discussed. The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the condition to reduce the time to diagnosis and unnecessary antibiotic treatment and to prevent permanent disability due to the progression of the disease. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).