Clinical characteristics and outcomes of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in children: a multicenter case series

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, histopathology characteristics, and treatment responses of children with Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). Methods Retrospective multi-center case series study of pediatric patients diagnosed with CNO treated at five tertiary centers in south China. Results Totally there were 18 patients diagnosed as CNO between 2014 and 2020. The median age of onset was 9.2 years (range 3.7–13.1) and 55.6% were female. Median delay in diagnosis was 10.9 months (range 1.0–72.0). The most frequent presenting symptoms were bone pain (100%) and fever (44.4%). Most patients had more than one lesion (median of 5, range 1–7). Most frequently affected bones were tibiofibula (88.9%) and femur (77.8%). The MRI characteristics mainly presented as bone edema and hyperintensity in bone marrow. Bone biopsy was conducted in 11 patients (61.1%) with inflammatory cells infiltration manifested as chronic osteomyelitis, and none showed bacterial infection or tumor. In treatment, non-steroid anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs) is used as the first-line drug followed by steriods, methotexate (MTX), salazosulfadimidine (SASP), Bisphosphonates and TNF-α inhibitor. Two refractory cases received combination therapy with Bisphosphonates and TNF-α inhibitor, and achieved good therapeutic effect. Conclusions The present study described a multicenter series of CNO from south China and highlighted the clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging characteristics and treatment outcomes. Increasing awareness of this disease is important to decrease time to diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and reduce complications.

Role of the osteochondral unit in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: focus on the potential use of clodronate

: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and progressive deterioration of the joint. The etiology of OA includes genetic, phlogistic, dismetabolic and mechanical factors. Historically, cartilage was considered the target of the disease and therapy was aimed at protecting and lubricating the articular cartilage. The osteochondral unit is composed of articular cartilage, calcified cartilage, and subchondral and trabecular bone, which work synergistically to support the functional loading of the joint. Numerous studies today show that OA involves the osteochondral unit, with the participation therefore of the bone in the starting and progression of the disease, which is associated with chondropathy. Cytokines involved in the process leading to cartilage damage are also mediators of subchondral bone edema. Therefore, OA therapy must be based on the use of painkillers and bisphosphonates for both the control of osteometabolic damage and its analgesic activity. Monitoring of the disease of the osteochondral unit must be extensive, since bone marrow edema can be considered as a marker of the evolution of OA. In the present review we discuss some of the pathogenetic mechanisms associated with osteoarthritis, with particular focus on the osteochondral unit and the use of clodronate.

MRI analysis of ACL tendon graft Intracanal Incorporation with polypropylene mesh implantation

Hamstring tendon graft remains one of the most popular for ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, its disadvantage is long term ligamentation process and intracanal incorporation and delayed rehabilitation. One of the methods for stimulation of connective tissue growth is the implantation of polypropylene mesh (PPM), which are widely used in hernioplasty. Objective. To compare the MRI data dynamics of intracanal incorporation of tendon graft with implantation of PPM in bone canals. Methods. For evaluation of graft reconstruction in the femoral and tibial canals we used criteria based on the analysis of MRI images in PD FS and STIR sequences: the nature of the signal from the graft in the center of bone canal; general view of the graft; the nature of the MRI signal from the tissues around the graft on the tendons-bone border; the pre­sence of synovial fluid in the canals and bone edema around them. Results of MRI of 75 patients who underwent «all-inside» ACLR with semitendinosus graft were analyzed. In the study group (40 patients) were compared to control group (35 patients) additionally implanted PPM around the ends of the tendon graft. Results. Intracanal graft incorporation in the group of patients with implantation of PPM occurred faster. The nature of the signal from the center of the bone canal and on the bone-tendon border progressed significantly faster in all observed terms. In the research group there was not presence of synovial fluid in the canals along the graft. Conclusions. Implantation of PPM around the ends of the ACL tendon autograft immersed in bone canals, leads, according to MRI data, to faster intra-canal incorporation. Key words. Knee joint, anterior cruciate ligament, arthroscopy.

Clinical And Plantar Fascial Morphologic Changes After Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument to evaluate the results of conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. However, there are scarce data available relative to changes in the plantar fascia after operative treatment. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging changes in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated operatively by means of proximal medial gastrocnemius release. Methods: Thirteen patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis were studied with MRI preoperatively and 1 year after operative treatment. Quantitative (plantar fascia thickness) and qualitative variables (hyperintensity in the plantar fascia, insertional calcaneus bone edema, a plantar fascia tear, and the presence of perifascial collections) were assessed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Clinical results were also measured with American Orthopaedic Ankle & Society (AOFAS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales. Results: The mean plantar fascia thickness was 6.59 mm preoperatively and 6.37 mm postoperatively ( P = .972). No statistically significant differences were found in any of the qualitative variables on comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. Patients reported clinical improvements in pain VAS, AOFAS measurement, and the physical subdomains of the SF-36 scale. Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative variables assessed for the plantar fascia on MRI did not show any significant change after medial gastrocnemius release despite clear clinical improvement. Level of Evidence: Level II, perspective cohort study.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis in Children: A Multicenter Case Series

Objective The study was to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, histopathology characteristics, and treatment responses of children with Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). Methods Retrospective multi-center case series study of pediatric patients diagnosed with CNO treated at five tertiary centers in south China. Results Totally there were 18 patients diagnosed as CNO between 2014 and 2020. The median age of onset was 9.2 years (range 3.7-13.1) and 55.6% were female. Median delay in diagnosis was 10.9 months (range 1.0-72.0). The most frequent presenting symptoms were bone pain (100%) and fever (44.4%). Most patients had more than one lesion (median of 5, range 1-7). Most frequently affected bones were tibiofibula(88.9%) and femur (77.8%). The MRI characteristics mainly presented as bone edema and Hyperintensity in bone marrow. Bone biopsy was conducted in 11 patients (61.1%) with inflammatory cells infiltration manifested as chronic osteomyelitis, and none showed bacterial infection or tumor. In treatment, non-steroid anti-inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs) is used as the first-line drug followed by steriods, methotexate(MTX), salazosulfadimidine (SASP), Bisphosphonates and TNF-α inhibitor. Two refractory cases received combination therapy with Bisphosphonates and TNF-α inhibitor, and achieved good therapeutic effect. Conclusions The present study described a multicenter series of CNO from south China and highlighted the clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging characteristics and treatment outcomes. Increasing awareness of this disease is important to decrease time to diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and reduce complications.

Main Types of Vertebrates in Spine Tumors (Prospective Study)

Damage to the vertebrae as a result of neoplastic processes leads to serious health consequences for people of all ages and genders. Unsuccessfully constructed tactics for the treatment of primary and metastatic spinal lesions are the result of severe orthopedic and neurological complications, which can lead to fatal consequences. To decide what type of surgery to perform, you need to have more information than the type of tumor. To create a rational algorithm for the treatment of patients with loss of spinal support due to neoplastic lesions of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae should consider the features of damage to the anatomical structures of the spinal motor segment and identify the main types of vertebral injuries. The purpose of the study was based on a prospective analysis of patients with spinal cord injuries, and description of the types of vertebral injuries. Material and methods. In the Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. In the period from 2008 to 2017, 264 patients with pathological changes in the spine were diagnosed. The age of patients was from 18 to 81 years. There were 137 men and 131 women. 39 (14.8%) patients did not have vertebral body deformity accompanied by bone edema, 168 (63.6%) patients had vertebral body damage without destruction of other anatomical structures, 52 (19.7%) patients were diagnosed with deformation of the vertebral body with damage to the arches and joints, and 5 (1.9%) patients had damage to the posterior support complex. Results and discussion. As a result of a prospective analysis of patients with spinal tumors, 5 types of vertebral lesions were identified by cancer: 1 – without deformation, accompanied by bone edema and visualized on MRI; 2 – deformation of the vertebral body up to 30% without damage to the posterior wall or with a small defect; 3 – deformation of the vertebral body > 30%, but < 60% with damage to the posterior vertebral wall; 4 – deformation of the vertebral body> 60% with damage to the posterior vertebral wall; 5 – deformation of the vertebral body with damage to the arches and joints. Conclusion. As a result of damage to the anatomical structures of the vertebrae by the tumor process, important morphological features were identified: the degree of damage to the vertebral body; the magnitude of local kyphosis; deformation of the posterior wall of the vertebral body, on the basis of which the types of vertebral injuries are determined

<i>Salmonella</i> osteomyelitis of the distal radius in a healthy pregnant woman

Although characteristic, Salmonella is a rare cause of osteomyelitis, especially in healthy individuals. A 25-year old primigravida at 29 weeks' gestation noticed pain and swelling in her right wrist. Her leukocyte count was normal, but her C-reactive protein level was slightly elevated, at 1.1 mg dL−1 (normal range, <0.2 mg dL−1). Plain radiography showed an osteolytic lesion in the distal radius, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an extraosseous fluid collection with bone edema in addition to the osseous lesion. After a needle biopsy was performed, the skin overlying the lesion became ulcerated at the site of the needle tract. We drained whitish pus from the site; both this pus and the original biopsy specimen grew Salmonella on culture. We diagnosed Salmonella osteomyelitis and began intravenous antibiotic therapy, avoiding oral quinolones to prevent fetotoxicity. Her symptoms resolved, as did the bone edema and fluid collection. Ossification occurred at the site of osteolysis, with localized abnormal signal intensity persisting on MRI. This rare case of Salmonella osteomyelitis was treated without surgery; the patient's pregnancy influenced the treatment course.

AB0226 USING 3 TESLA MRI WITH A HIGH-RESOLUTION 16-CHANNEL HAND COIL TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN RHEUMATOID AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A PILOT STUDY

Background:The differentiation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is sometimes a challenge for rheumatologists in daily clinical practice. Imaging techniques such as MRI could be a helpful tool for this purpose.Objectives:To examine the value of 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a high-resolution 16-channel hand coil for the differentiation between RA and PsA.Methods:A total of 17 patients with active PsA and 27 patients with active RA were evaluated by 3T MRI. Images were analyzed by three readers according to the outcome measures for RA clinical trials (OMERACT) and RA and PsA MRI scores for the presence and intensity of the following MRI features: synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, bone edema, bone erosion, periarticular inflammation, bone proliferation, and joint space narrowing. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was established for a calculated prediction model comprising age, gender, and the imaging features ‘periarticular inflammation’ and ‘erosion’ of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the 5th finger.Results:PsA could be differentiated from RA by extracapsular inflammatory changes (PsAMRIS sub-score ‘periarticular inflammation’), with a minimal odds ratio (OR) for the outcome ‘not RA’ of 0.06 (p< 0.01) at all MCP joints. The calculated ROC curve had an area under the curve (AUC) of 98.1%.Conclusion:3T MRI showed a strong association of extracapsular inflammatory changes with PsA at the MCP joint level, and consequently allowed differentiation between PsA and RA.Figure 1.Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve with different thresholds for the calculated prediction model for the outcome RA. Area under the curve (AUC) = 98.1%.Figure 2.51-year-old female patient with PsA. MR images show flexor tenosynovitis (FS), synovitis (Syn), and periarticular inflammation (PI). A. Sagittal PD fat-saturation of D5. PI at the volar and dorsal aspects at the MCP, PIP, and DIP levels. FS at the PIP and DIP joint levels. Black asterisks indicate PI. Black arrow points to FS. B. Coronal STIR with bone edema (BE) at the proximal portion of PIP3 and 5 accompanied by PI at PIP3 and MCP, PIP and DIP5. Asterisks indicate BE. Arrowheads point to PI. C. Transversal T2 fat-saturation with FS and PI at MCP5. Arrowhead indicates FS, arrow points to volar PI. D. Transversal T1 fat-saturation following iv contrast, with FS and PI at MCP5. Arrowhead indicates FS, arrows points to volar PI.Disclosure of Interests:Philipp Sewerin Grant/research support from: AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KGBristol-Myers Squibb Celgene GmbHLilly Deutschland GmbHNovartis Pharma GmbH Pfizer Deutschland GmbHRheumazentrum Rhein-Ruhr, Consultant of: AMGEN GmbH AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Biogen GmbHBristol-Myers Squibb Celgene GmbH Chugai Pharma arketing Ltd. / Chugai Europe GmbHHexal Pharma Janssen-CilagGmbH Johnson & Johnson Deutschland GmbHLilly Deutschland GmbH / Lilly Europe / Lilly Global Novartis Pharma GmbH Pfizer Deutschland GmbH Roche Pharma Rheumazentrum Rhein-Ruhr Sanofi-Genzyme Deutschland GmbH Swedish Orphan Biovitrum GmbH UCB Pharma GmbH, Speakers bureau: AMGEN GmbH AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Biogen GmbHBristol-Myers Squibb Celgene GmbH Chugai Pharma arketing Ltd. / Chugai Europe GmbHHexal Pharma Janssen-CilagGmbH Johnson & Johnson Deutschland GmbHLilly Deutschland GmbH / Lilly Europe / Lilly Global Novartis Pharma GmbH Pfizer Deutschland GmbH Roche Pharma Rheumazentrum Rhein-Ruhr Sanofi-Genzyme Deutschland GmbH Swedish Orphan Biovitrum GmbH UCB Pharma GmbH, Daniel Abrar: None declared, Alexander Lautwein: None declared, Stefan Vordenbäumen: None declared, Ralph Brinks: None declared, Christine Goertz: None declared, Miriam Frenken: None declared, Matthias Schneider Grant/research support from: GSK, UCB, Abbvie, Consultant of: Abbvie, Alexion, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Chugai, GSK, Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Benedikt Ostendorf: None declared, Christoph Schleich: None declared

THU0463 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NERIDRONATE IN BONE EDEMA SYNDROME

Background:Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome (BMES) is a severely disabling pain syndrome without a definite treatment and refers to transient clinical conditions with unknown pathogenic mechanism, such as transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH), regional migratory osteoporosis (RMO), and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Magnetic resonance imaging is used for the early diagnosis and monitoring the progression of the disease. Early differentiation from other aggressive conditions with long-term sequelae is essential in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.Objectives:Aim of this monocentric trial was to test the efficacy and the safety of the amino-bisphosphonate neridronate in patients with BMES administered in two different regimens.Methods:192 patients with BMES secondary to osteoarthritis localized to knee, hip, wrist or foot were randomly assigned to I.V. infusion of 100 mg neridronate given four times over 10 days (Group A, 72 subjects) or alternatively to I.V. infusions of 100 mg every 21 days over 3 months (Group B, 120 subjects). At baseline and after 180 days we performed an MRI. We assessed a 0-100 mm pain VAS in each patient, too. Outcomes were to evaluate the MRI changes and the VAS changes. A control group (35 patients) was enrolled too, treated conservatively with NSAIDs and articular rest.Results:we observed a significant improvement in MRI with the resolution of bone marrow lesions present at the baseline (p<0.01), without a significant difference between Group A and Group B. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score decreased significantly during the study in both groups (p<0.05) without a significant difference between the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Both groups showed a significant clinical and radiologic improvement compared with control group (p<0.001).Conclusion:In patients with BMES, the infusions of neridronate 100 mg every 21 days over 3 months or alternately every 3 days over 10 days are associated with clinically relevant and persistent benefits without significant differences between the two treatment-schedules. These results provide conclusive evidence that the use of bisphosphonates, at appropriate doses, is the treatment of choice BMES.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared