Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis - report of eight patients

The authors undertook a retrospective review of the clinical records and ra diologic findings of eight children with chronic, recurrent multifocal oste omyelitis (CRMO). This disease is a recognized clinicopathologic entity wit h typical radiographic findings, mostly in the metaphyses of the long bones . The diagnosis is one of exclusion without pathognomonic findings. The pat ients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There was no evidence of altered bone growth or abnormal joint development. It is concl uded that CRMO is a distinct clinical entity that is different from acute o r subacute bacterial osteomyelitis. Recognition of this condition is import ant to avoid treatment with antibiotics and repeated operations.