Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis in a Pediatric Patient: An Uncommon Case With Diagnostic Challenge

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of bone pain with sterile inflammatory lesions, often resembling infection or malignancy. We present a case of a 12-year-old girl who initially presented with atraumatic right knee pain and was ultimately diagnosed with CRMO after imaging and histopathologic evaluation. Her clinical course was complicated by recurrent episodes, and physeal damage resulted in limb length discrepancy. Early recognition through appropriate imaging and multidisciplinary evaluation helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics and invasive procedures. Long-term follow-up is essential, as persistent inflammation can cause irreversible skeletal complications.