Van Neck-Odelberg Disease - A Rare or Underdiagnosed Condition?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Van Neck-Odelberg (VNO) disease is a rare osteochondrosis affecting the ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS).
• It presents as a differential diagnosis in children with lameness, inguinal pain, and hip dysfunction.
• Imaging reveals asymmetric IPS hypertrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a clinical case of VNO disease in a pediatric patient.
• To highlight the diagnostic features and management of VNO disease.
• To emphasize VNO disease as a consideration in pediatric hip pain and lameness.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 4-year-old child with acute left inguinal pain and lameness.
• Diagnostic imaging included pelvic radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Clinical assessment excluded trauma and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• Pelvic radiography and MRI showed a radiopaque image in the left ischiopubic branch and IPS swelling.
• The patient received symptomatic treatment.
• Complete recovery occurred within 10 days.

Conclusions:

• VNO disease should be considered in children with lameness and hip pain, especially without trauma or infection.
• Diagnosis relies on pelvic radiography and potentially MRI.
• Conservative, symptomatic management leads to a favorable prognosis.