What are bone edema? Diagnosis, causes and treatments

The term bone edema It is commonly used to describe a pattern of bone marrow abnormality that is primarily observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It may also be referred to as bone marrow edema or, in certain contexts, as bone marrow injury.

It is not a single disease, nor does it necessarily mean that the bone is simply "inflamed." It is a finding that can appear in response to different situations, from trauma or overuse during sports to a stress fracture, degenerative changes, inflammation, infection, or other pathologies.

For this reason, when an MRI reports bone edema, the important thing is not only to confirm its existence, but Identify why it has appeared and if there is any associated injury that requires specific treatment..

bone edema, which is

What is bone edema or bone marrow edema?

Bone marrow edema is a radiological term used to describe certain signal alterations that appear in the bone marrow, especially in fluid-sensitive sequences of an MRI.

It is important to understand that Bone edema does not in itself constitute a definitive diagnosis. It can represent the bone's response to very different mechanisms, and its meaning depends on the location, symptoms, patient history, and other MRI findings.

A review published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery It notes that bone marrow edema is a nonspecific finding that can be related to various pathologies, and its evaluation by MRI is especially important to determine its cause. You can consult the Review of causes and treatment of bone marrow edema.

Main causes of bone edema

The causes are very varied. Therefore, it should not be assumed that all bone edemas have the same origin or that they require the same treatment.

Bone injuries and contusions

A direct blow, a fall, a twist, or certain joint traumas can cause changes in the bone marrow that are visible through MRI.

In these cases, one can speak of bone contusion either bone bruise. It is frequently found in association with other injuries, for example after some traumas to the knee, ankle or hip.

Overload and stress injuries

Repeatedly subjecting loads that exceed the bone's adaptive capacity can trigger a stress reaction. This is especially relevant for individuals who rapidly increase training volume or intensity, such as runners and other athletes subjected to repetitive impacts.

Edema can be part of the spectrum of a stress bone injury. If the overload continues, certain injuries can progress to a stress fracture.

Therefore, it is not correct to say that edema “turns” into a fracture: what can progress is the underlying mechanical injury if the bone continues to be subjected to a load for which it is not yet prepared.

Insufficiency fractures

An insufficiency fracture occurs when a bone with reduced strength is subjected to loads that it could otherwise withstand. An MRI may show extensive swelling around the injured area.

These injuries need to be differentiated from transient edema because both the treatment and the prognosis may be different.

Osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries

Subchondral edema can also occur in joints with degenerative changes. In people with osteoarthritis, it may be related to alterations in the bone located immediately beneath the cartilage.

However, finding edema in an MRI does not automatically mean that osteoarthritis is present, nor does it allow one to determine its severity on its own.

Inflammation, infection, and other pathologies

Inflammatory processes, bone infections, certain rheumatological diseases, and some tumor lesions can also produce similar signal alterations in the bone marrow.

Precisely because of this variety of possible causes, Bone edema should be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms, clinical examination, and other imaging findings..

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis occurs when an area of bone loses sufficient blood supply and the bone tissue deteriorates. It may show bone marrow edema in certain stages, but Bone edema and osteonecrosis are not equivalent terms.

MRI and the distribution of the lesions help to differentiate them. A recent review on bone marrow lesions highlights the importance of distinguishing reversible conditions from processes such as osteonecrosis or certain subchondral fractures. You can consult the Review on bone marrow edema and osteonecrosis.

Bone edema, contusion and fracture: are they the same thing?

No. Although they can coexist, they represent different concepts.

Finding or injury What does it mean
Bone marrow edema Signal pattern observed mainly in resonance that can have multiple causes.
Bone contusion Traumatic injury to the bone without the need for a complete visible fracture.
Stress reaction Bone response to repeated overload that may be part of the spectrum preceding a stress fracture.
Stress or insufficiency fracture There is structural bone damage related to repeated overload or insufficient bone strength.
Osteonecrosis Bone tissue damage related to an alteration in its blood supply. It may be associated with edema, but is not synonymous with it.

Where does bone edema most frequently occur?

It can appear in virtually any bone, although it is especially common to detect it in joints subjected to load.

Bone edema in the knee

The knee is one of the most common locations. It can appear after trauma, associated with ligament or meniscal injuries, due to overuse, insufficiency fractures, or degenerative changes.

When edema is accompanied by persistent pain, swelling, blockage, or a history of trauma, an evaluation by a specialist may be advisable. specialized knee unit.

Bone edema in the hip

In the hip, it is especially important to establish the differential diagnosis between a bone marrow edema syndrome, an insufficiency fracture, osteonecrosis, and other possible causes of pain.

The location and characteristics observed on MRI, along with the patient's history and physical examination, help guide the diagnosis. The team at hip traumatology can assess cases where edema affects this joint.

Bone edema in ankle and foot

In people who practice running, football, basketball or other high-impact sports, overload injuries may appear in the ankle, talus, calcaneus or bones of the foot.

In these cases it is especially important to assess recent changes in training load, terrain type, technique, recovery and possible factors that affect bone strength.

What symptoms can bone edema produce?

When edema is clinically relevant, the most common symptom is pain localized in the affected area.

Depending on the cause, the following may appear:

  • Pain when supporting weight or carrying weight.
  • Pain with certain movements.
  • Discomfort during sports activity.
  • Localized sensitivity.
  • Functional limitation.
  • Inflammation of the joint is associated in some cases.
  • Pain at rest in certain injuries.

However, there is no single pain pattern exclusive to bone marrow edema. Furthermore, some lesions observed on MRI may not be the primary cause of the symptoms.

How is bone edema diagnosed?

The diagnosis should not be based solely on an image. The first step is to understand how the pain started, whether there was an injury, what activities the patient performs, how the symptoms have progressed, and what other factors may be involved.

Clinical examination

The examination may assess, among other aspects:

  • Location of the pain.
  • Ability to support or carry loads.
  • Joint mobility.
  • Force.
  • Inflammation.
  • Joint stability.
  • Presence of signs that suggest an associated injury.

Magnetic resonance

The Magnetic resonance imaging is the test of choice for detecting and characterizing bone marrow edema. It allows the study of both the signal pattern of the bone and other joint structures and the search for possible associated causes.

This is especially important because an edema pattern can be observed in traumatic injuries, fractures, osteoarthritis, inflammatory processes, infection, osteonecrosis, and other pathologies.

X-ray and other tests

A conventional X-ray may be normal in early stages and does not directly show bone marrow edema with the sensitivity of an MRI. However, Yes, it can provide useful information about fractures, alignment, osteoarthritis, or other structural abnormalities..

Computed tomography can be useful in certain bone injuries to assess the cortical structure or a possible fracture line in greater detail.

Tests should be selected according to the clinical picture and not automatically requested solely because of the presence of pain.

bone edema treatment

How is bone edema treated?

There is no single treatment for bone edema. The treatment depends primarily on the underlying cause.

Edema secondary to a sports contusion is not necessarily managed in the same way as an insufficiency fracture, osteoarthritis, infection, or osteonecrosis.

Load modification

In certain injuries, it may be necessary to temporarily reduce activities that cause pain or decrease the load on the limb.

This does not mean that all patients require complete bed rest. The degree of weight-bearing restriction depends on the location of the injury, the pain, the stability of the bone, and especially whether there is a fracture or an associated structural injury.

Rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise

Rehabilitation can be part of the treatment once the injury allows for safe weight-bearing.

The program may progressively include:

  • Mobility.
  • Strength recovery.
  • Neuromuscular control.
  • Low-impact exercise when indicated.
  • Readaptation to daily activities.
  • Gradual return to sport.

In sports-related injuries, the sports medicine unit It can assess both the cause and the progression of loads and the return to activity.

Pain management

When edema causes pain, symptomatic measures may be necessary. The choice of any medication should be individualized, taking into account the diagnosis, medical history, and other treatments the patient is receiving.

It is not appropriate to recommend anti-inflammatories, specific analgesics, or dosage guidelines in general simply because an MRI shows bone edema.

Magnetotherapy, shockwave therapy, and other physical treatments

Different physical modalities have been studied for some cases of bone marrow edema syndrome, including pulsed electromagnetic fields and extracorporeal shock waves.

However, the evidence is heterogeneous and It cannot be stated that magnetotherapy, lymphatic drainage, or other physical modalities universally accelerate bone regeneration..

Its potential use should be assessed in the context of a specific diagnosis and not as a standard treatment for any bone edema.

Bisphosphonates, iloprost, and other medical treatments

In bone marrow edema syndrome, some specific pharmacological treatments have also been studied, such as bisphosphonates or iloprost.

A systematic review analyzing different therapeutic options found potentially favorable results with several strategies, but the available studies present significant methodological differences. Therefore, these treatments They should not be understood as a universal guideline for any bone edema.

You can check the systematic review on treatments for bone marrow edema syndrome.

When might surgery be necessary?

Bone marrow edema alone does not constitute a surgical indication.

Surgery may be necessary when there is a structural injury that justifies it, certain fractures, advanced joint alterations, some cases of osteonecrosis or other pathologies whose evolution does not simply depend on the disappearance of the edema observed in the MRI.

What is bone marrow edema syndrome?

He bone marrow edema syndrome It is a different entity from edema secondary to a known cause.

It is used to describe certain painful conditions in which MRI shows a characteristic pattern of edema and no other cause is initially identified. It is most frequently located in weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

It is essential to consider it a diagnosis of exclusion, because other causes such as fractures, osteonecrosis, infection, inflammatory processes or tumorous lesions must first be ruled out.

Are bone edema and transient osteoporosis the same thing?

Not exactly. Transient osteoporosis and bone marrow edema syndrome are closely related entities, and the terms have been used variably in the literature, especially when they affect the hip.

However, not all bone marrow edema observed in an MRI corresponds to transient osteoporosis.

Age, location, radiological characteristics, evolution and absence of other causes help to establish the correct diagnosis.

Can you exercise with bone edema?

There is no single answer that is valid for all patients.

If the edema is due to a stress reaction, a fracture, a major contusion, or a subchondral lesion, continuing with the same load that triggers the pain can hinder recovery and, in certain injuries, promote its progression.

However, this does not mean that all physical activity should be automatically suspended.

Depending on the diagnosis, activities that do not put undue stress on the affected area can be maintained or gradually introduced. The return to exercise should be based on:

  • The cause of the edema.
  • Pain reduction.
  • The ability to withstand load.
  • The recovery of mobility and strength.
  • Clinical evolution.
  • Control tests when indicated.

How long does it take for bone edema to disappear?

There is no universal recovery time.

The time frame can vary considerably depending on whether it is a contusion, a stress injury, a subchondral fracture, bone marrow edema syndrome, a degenerative disease, or another cause.

In certain transient syndromes, the evolution can occur over several months, while other injuries follow different timeframes.

Furthermore, clinical improvement and complete disappearance of the MRI abnormalities They don't have to happen at exactly the same time.

Therefore, it is not advisable to use a fixed term of three or six months as a universal recovery criterion.

How can the risk of bone overload injuries be reduced?

Not all bone edema can be prevented, as some appear after trauma or as a consequence of other diseases.

In sports-related overuse injuries, some general measures may be helpful:

  • Gradually increase the volume and intensity of training.
  • Avoid sudden changes in surface, mileage, or load.
  • Allow sufficient recovery days.
  • Maintain adequate muscle strength.
  • Use appropriate equipment and footwear for the activity.
  • Consult a doctor if you experience localized bone pain that increases with exercise.
  • Assess potential factors related to bone health when there are repeated stress injuries.

bone edema prevention

When should you consult a doctor about possible bone edema?

It is advisable to request an assessment when it appears localized and persistent pain in a bone or joint, especially if it increases with workload or limits usual activities.

It is also advisable to consult when:

  • The pain appears after an injury.
  • There is significant difficulty in providing support.
  • The pain increases progressively.
  • Pain appears at rest or during the night.
  • There is significant inflammation.
  • The pain persists despite reducing activity.
  • There is a sports injury that prevents a gradual return to training.

The presence of fever, poor general condition, a very swollen joint, or intense pain after trauma may warrant a faster medical evaluation.

Frequently asked questions about bone edema

Is bone edema a fracture?

Not necessarily. Bone marrow edema is a pattern primarily seen on MRI and can have multiple causes. It can accompany a stress or insufficiency fracture, but it can also occur without a fracture.

Can bone edema develop into osteonecrosis?

This should not be understood as an automatic progression. Osteonecrosis can present with bone marrow edema in certain phases, but most edema does not necessarily transform into osteonecrosis. It is important to identify the cause and differentiate between the two situations through clinical and radiological evaluation.

Is an MRI necessary to diagnose bone edema?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred test because it allows for highly sensitive detection of bone marrow changes. X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans can provide complementary information about fractures and other structural abnormalities when indicated.

Is absolute bed rest necessary if bone edema is present?

Not always. Some injuries require temporary reduction or offloading of the area, but the degree of rest depends on the cause, location, and the presence of a fracture or other associated injury. The plan should be individualized.

How long does it take for bone edema to heal?

There is no fixed timeframe. The recovery depends on the cause, the affected bone, the extent of the injury, and the loads it bears. Some cases may improve gradually over weeks or months, while others follow a different course.

Does magnetotherapy eliminate bone edema?

It cannot be stated that magnetotherapy eliminates all bone edema or that it universally accelerates its healing. Some physical modalities have been studied in certain syndromes, but the evidence is limited and their potential use should be evaluated according to the specific diagnosis.

Bone marrow edema is a finding that can have very different origins. Therefore, the goal should not only be to "make the edema disappear," but identify the injury or the process that is causing it and tailor treatment and recovery to each individual case. If you have persistent bone pain or an MRI showing bone marrow edema, you can Request an evaluation with the Elgeadi Traumatology team.

134 thoughts on “¿Qué son los edemas óseos? Diagnóstico, causas y tratamientos”

  1. I have been diagnosed by MRI with bone edema in the carpal bones. I have been on anti-inflammatory treatment for two months and 4 sessions of physiotherapy, but I still have pain in my wrists even at rest. I have more pain on the right than on the left. They do a little massage, ultrasound and electrostimulation.
    I would like to know what other therapies are recommended and what I can do at home to make the pain go away sooner.
    I await your response.
    All the best

    Reply
        • Bonjour

          J'ai des oedèmes sur la colonne vertebrale. The rhumatologue told me that it arrived three days later and that it was not serious. Je n'ai pas eu de traumatisme particulier. Je consultis pour des gros soucis de lombalgie chronique et hanche douloureuse etc. J'ai kiss from a second notice. Car elle m'a conseillé de faire des exercises alors que j'en fais déjà.

          Reply
        • Bonjour je me present monsieu dufresne jeremy sela fait 8 moi que jai des problemse de dos jai une discopathie dégénerative symptomatique de la charnier dorsolombair et un oedéme en miroir interessent la quasi-totalité des vertebre je soufre atrosement je peu plus rester assis et debou actuelement je mesur 1m85 et pése 140kl je suis sur le poin de me fair opere pour perde du poid sela va prendre beaucoup de temp je voulai savoir si il aurai une solution pour moi merci

          Reply
          • Bonjour Monsieur Dufresne. With a back-to-back disc pathology and an extended support, a prize for a special charge is essential. In attendant la perte de poids, on peut souvent soulager avec treatmentement de la douleur, kinésithérapie adaptedée, rééducation et parfois infiltrations ciblées selon l'IRM.

      • Bonjour Haydée, j'ai également un souci d'oedème osseux qui dure, et je voulais savoir de quel type de device vous parliez pour l'aimant. Is it a simple aimant, or a magnetic therapy system?
        Mercy!

        Reply
  2. Hello! I had a fall in the sacral area, in the first MRI they detected bone edema, I spent 3 weeks and had punctures in my buttock so they did another MRI and it came out that I had 2 fractures in the sacroiliac area. I am being treated with magnetotherapy and radiofrequency, is this treatment effective?

    Reply
      • Bonjour, un œdème à la moelle épinière disparaît sous traitement au bout de combien de mois environ ? Merci d'avance pour votre reponde

        Reply
        • Bonjour Mathis,
          Je ne sais pas à quel traitement vous faites référence. In all cases, the data of recovery vary depending on the patient and the recovery that suits them.
          Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

          Reply
    • I have the same situation, how long has the illness lasted? I am on magnetotherapy and it tells me 3 to 6 months for the edema to be reabsorbed and the pain to disappear.

      Reply
    • Bonjour

      J'ai des oedèmes sur la colonne vertebrale. The rhumatologue told me that it arrived three days later and that it was not serious. Je n'ai pas eu de traumatisme particulier. Je consultis pour des gros soucis de lombalgie chronique et hanche douloureuse etc. J'ai kiss from a second notice. Car elle m'a conseillé de faire des exercises alors que j'en fais déjà.

      Reply
  3. Hello people, good evening… I was diagnosed with bone edema in my ankle. I have been in pain for 4 months now... I bought a magnetotherapy device and my question is how often and how long should I use the device for this injury... thank you very much in advance

    Reply
      • Hello, good afternoon. I'm Jacqueline. I've had bone edema in both ankles for 6 years. They hurt. I can't work because my legs swell. I'm in a lot of pain. I've had surgery for a short tendon and plantar fasciitis. What should I do?

        Reply
        • Hello Jacqueline,

          Thank you very much for sharing your case, and we are deeply sorry for the pain you are experiencing. In situations like yours, a medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of the edema and the best possible treatment. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists so we can evaluate your case in detail and find the best possible treatment.

          Greetings.

          Reply
  4. My sister-in-law was told that she has spinal edema. She was referred to a neurosurgeon. Is it possible or would I have to consult a traumatologist first.

    Reply
  5. Hello, I'm consulting, I had an MRI, it gave me BONE EDEMA OF THE TATAL TIBIAL TENDON, and TENOSYNOVITIS OF THE POSTERIOR TIVIAL TENDON,, MY ANKLE HURTS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND NOW THEY MAKE ME DO MAGNETO THERAPY SECTIONS, I DON'T TAKE ANY MEDICATION BUT I MY FOOT STILL HURTS, I ALSO HAVE FLAT FOOT… HOW WOULD I FOLLOW MY TREATMENT…. I CAN IMPROVE…

    Reply
    • Good afternoon everyone, greetings from Lima PERU. I give you the following diagnosis: “Edema of the subcortical bone marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints on both sides is observed, suspicious of bilateral acute sacroiliitis, to be correlated with the patient's clinical symptoms.” Tell me you have a headquarters in PERU or a clinic that you recommend.

      Reply
      • Good morning Joel,

        Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. We greatly regret the situation in which you find yourself, which is why we recommend that you go to a traumatology professional so that they can evaluate your pathology and determine the most appropriate treatment for it.

        Our specialist traumatologists work in different medical centers in the Community of Madrid. If you prefer, you can contact our team of expert traumatologists in the link provided.

        All the best.

        Reply
    • Hello, I am not a doctor, and I am not answering what you have asked, I am simply speaking to you from my personal experience, I do not know your age, but I advise you to have a bone densitometry performed to rule out that you suffer from Osteoporosis, the sooner you know the better, to prevent the development of the disease. I had to fracture a vertebra to discover that I have advanced Osteoporosis.

      Reply
  6. Good morning, question...bone edema in the right knee for 40 days now...with.Magnetotherapy and kinesio...these kinesio and magneto in the.gym...pwro.I rented a magnetotherapy device at home...when should I do it during the day? ????cracies is pwro answer please I'm from Rosario

    Reply
    • Hi Patricia. Did you improve with the magneto? I have bone edema in the tibia and femur. It hurts even at rest. Which worries me. Any solution that has worked for you? Thank you.

      Reply
      • I have been using a magneto at home for 4 months and I haven't improved at all. Today I'm starting with a super-inductive magneto, let's see how it goes. I've been told that it's a very good option.

        Reply
  7. Hello, I have been diagnosed with bone edema in the bone of my nose, due to a blow, do these edemas disappear over time or will that part of my nose remain more raised due to the inflammation of the area?

    Reply
  8. Hi, I am Andrea:
    They did an MRI of the scapula because they knew that the bone hurt, and the results were "nodular edematous bone changes at the base of implantation of the scapular spine to the body of the
    scapula '.The thing is that my orthopedic surgeon doesn't know what it is due to, because I didn't have any blows or overexertion, he says that I have a slight winged scapula, although another doctor differs. He sent me to go to neurology and thoracic surgery and a scintigraphy. My question is, what does neurology have to do with this? Thoracic surgery explained it to me more or less. Thanks in advance
    PS: If you have any advice to give me which specialist I should go to, great, because I'm lost and my traumatologist told me that too.

    Reply
      • مساء الخير اشكو من الم في ساقي الأيسر وقد ذهبت للدكتور و همل قولي اني اعاني في الم في ساقي الأيسر ٨ المغناطيسي وقد شخص دكتور الرنين على وجود وذمة في نخاع العظم ولكني ارسلت التقرير الى الدكتور وقال يقول التقرير عم الورك الا انه اعطاني علاج تنخر العظم قبل اسبوعين الا اني لا ازال اشعر بالالم في ساقي الأيسر ارجو من حضراتكم الرد و التشخيص

        Reply
        • مرحبًا، شكرًا على رسالتك. من أجل إجراء تشخيص دقيق، يحتاج فريقنا إلى تقييم دراساتك الطبية. إذا رغبت، يمكنك تحديد موعد عن طريق الاتصال على الرقم (+34) 910 05 39 00. من المهم أن تأخذ في الاعتبار أن العلاجات ام تستغرق وقتًا حتى تظهر نتائجها، لذلك من الضروري اتباع جميع التعليمات التي تم إعطاؤها لك لتحقيق أفضل النتائج الممكنة.

          Reply
  9. It really is shameful, people need some answer, through this medium, we already know that these WEB's are opened, not to inform anyone about anything, but to try to take people to your "garden" which is understandable, so my proposal would be: that no one consult you about anything at all. You don't give any kind of help to anyone. Have a good day.

    Reply
    • Good morning,

      We regret that your perception of our blog is what you have expressed.

      In medicine, the most important thing is the clinical examination and the review of radiological tests, which often means that giving a diagnosis or clinical guidance through a comment on the networks is not the most correct or appropriate. Hence, most of the answers have to be that the patient has to come to the consultation to be evaluated and that we probably have a solution that is quite appropriate for their case.

      All the best.

      Reply
  10. Hello, good afternoon, I had a small bone edema in my ankle as a result of a traffic accident and the traumatologist told me that there was nothing wrong with it and that I could continue working normally and it hurts when I walk.
    What if it's small??? Or maybe I need treatment

    Reply
  11. On September 8, 2022, I fractured my little toe. The finger continued to hurt and I had an MRI done a month ago. There is bone inflammation. The pain after almost 7 months is still the same, it has not decreased at all. It is a long time of inflammation, is it normal?

    Reply
  12. On September 8, 2022, I fractured my little toe. The finger continued to hurt and I had an MRI done a month ago. There is bone inflammation. The pain after almost 7 months is still the same, it has not decreased at all. It is a long time of inflammation, is it normal?

    Reply
  13. 5 years ago I fell, and they diagnosed me with bone edema in my knee. Now I have fallen and suffered a fracture in the break. My question is, does it weld well? For having had bone edema?

    Reply
  14. Good morning, I have been diagnosed with bone edema in the vertebrae, I am worried, they apply ultrasounds, currents and with a weighted pulley they try to leave a little more space between the vertebrae, but I have more discomfort in the area the following days. I had ovarian cancer 4 years ago and now I am fine from this pathology, I think that for this reason they do not apply magnetotherapy to me.

    Reply
    • Hello Mari Carmen,
      As for edema, it can be caused by degenerative disc disease and are usually called modest changes. Without seeing the imaging tests we cannot be more specific, but if that is indeed the diagnosis, the best thing is medical and rehabilitative treatment.
      A hug.

      Reply
  15. Good morning, when you say that irreversible injuries can be suffered if they are not treated in time, how long are we talking about?

    I've had something on my foot for a month and I still haven't been diagnosed but I've been told that it could be that. It still hurts but I walk as little as possible.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  16. Good morning, I have an 8-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with moderate edema in the knee. He has been on relative rest and magnotherapy sessions for 4 weeks.
    How long could it last?
    At the moment there are 20 magnet sessions, he doesn't hurt at all, and we don't know if that means he's fine or not. ? Is it advisable to do another MRI at your age just one month apart?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Bea,
      With these data, we do not know why he has edema, or what the cause is. The ideal is that we see you in the consultation, explore to be able to determine precisely what the cause is. It is not normal to have knee edema in 8-year-old children. I recommend that you stop by our consultations for a more precise assessment.
      A hug.

      Reply
  17. Good afternoon, I have had bone edema in my wrist at the level of the trapezius bone for 1 year due to a fall. I had two MRIs and I have been doing rehabilitation all year, the pain is minimal without using the wrist but with the slightest load the pain begins to increase. I wanted to ask you if it is common for it to last so long and if some factor can be changed, such as diet for example, so that it heals faster. I do magnetotherapy, wrist strengthening, and apply ice when I strain my wrist.

    Reply
    • Hello Thiago,
      Many times there are long-lasting pains that may have a more hidden origin. With this information we cannot give a more in-depth diagnosis but we are delighted that you can come visit us and have a detailed examination. All the best.

      Reply
  18. Good morning, I am 51 years old and two months ago I fractured the 5th metatarsal and fibula, apparently the 2nd also suffered a fracture, but the cast was removed three weeks later; After that, my big toe had very strong pain, the foot began to swell and discolor. After several visits to the emergency room with no results, they cast me again for two more weeks without improvement. This past week I had an MRI and an electromyogram. There is a pattern of bone edema with high signal intensity in the fat desaturation series involving the base of the fifth metatarsal, with a better-defined line of continuity in the sagittal plane, due to fracture,
    which is accompanied by edema in the adjacent soft tissues; There appears to be no other damage.
    Electromio: Axonotmesis of the anterior tibial nerve, possible cause of pain in the big toe? I still don't have any treatment

    Reply
    • Hello Silvia, we recommend that you visit a specialized traumatologist to evaluate the tests and examine you in person. If you want to make an appointment with us, we will be happy to help you, but without this detailed examination it is difficult to give a diagnosis. All the best.

      Reply
  19. Good afternoon, I suffer from bone edema on the plateau due to a car accident. I suffer a lot of pain. I don't need you to tell me like the others to go to your clinic, I ask you to inform me that it would be more convenient: intraosseous infiltration with platelet-rich plasma or therapeutic magnetic resonance imaging. In the latter case, how many sessions would be necessary.
    Please answer my questions, then if I consider it I will contact the clinic.
    If in advance they direct all the people who make a consultation to your clinic, I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WANT THIS BLOG.

    Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Dear Catalina, not all cases can be answered in this way, given that this is Medicine, and issuing diagnoses lightly without having all the patient's data can lead to a catastrophe. Hence, when we do not see it clearly, they are referred to consultations. In your case, I do not see how platelets can help you with your bone edema. A priori, Bone Edema is a pathology that must be temporary after trauma and usually resolves itself in the following months, without the need for major therapeutic gestures. But if pain and bone edema persist, other underlying pathologies must be ruled out, such as irrigation disorders, necrosis, infectious processes, tumors, etc.

      Magnetotherapy as a rehabilitative treatment has proven effective.

      Thank you very much for your inquiry.

      Reply
  20. Greetings,

    I am a runner, in fact I am going to a marathon in 10 days and I was diagnosed with “BONE EDEMA OF THE DISTAL THIRD OF THE VISIBLE FEMUR” I am undergoing magnetotherapy, I have injected Hyaluronic Acid, my fear is that I would not have a chance to run the marathon because the pain is stabbing. To maintain my cardio I'm doing roller biking and swimming only with pulls.

    Reply
  21. All the best. I am undergoing posterior lumbar arthrodesis L5-S1 for Spondyloarthrosis with right radiculopathy, hip arthroscopy for labral tear without reconstruction and diagnosed with right sacroiliitis with bone edema (MRI) performing block/infiltration in May 2022. After 8 months of the arthrodesis with partial improvement and performing oriented exercises, I continued with mild pain/discomfort in the groin, gluteus, right thigh but in the last week I have had a sudden worsening with very sharp, unbearable pain, they performed a new MRI and found a focus of bone edema in the intermediate aspect of the right sacroiliac joint in the
    iliac aspect. The pain now reaches the heel of the foot, buttock, also the hip, thigh and from the right waist level.
    Are the sudden pains due to a sacroiliitis crisis? I would appreciate a preliminary opinion on this. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Hello Ained,
      To give you an answer we would need to perform a physical examination and see the imaging tests performed.
      This information is not enough for us to be able to evaluate the case.

      If you want a consultation you can contact us at (34) 910 053 900.
      Greetings

      Reply
  22. hello. I have been going around for years until after a long time I was diagnosed with Pudenal Neuralgia. I had hip pain before the pudendal pain appeared. I have had several MRIs where the pudendal is not affected. They did a lot of studies pertinent to that nerve, EMG, Neurography, MRIs. and it doesn't come out thick enough to explain the pain I have when sitting down. Question that recently my hip also started to hurt. All the docs told me that the hip pain was due to the pudendal. Until a traumatologist sent me a bone MRI, they were always soft tissue. and there it turns out that I have discrete bone edema in the pubis. It was probably due to micro trauma in the area where I have it. Could that bone edema be irritating the pudendal nerve? They sent me to do kinesiology for the hip and for bone edema with laser. Is the treatment correct? I am a person who has never exercised and I have very little mobility. It was only two classes ago that I learned about stretching and kinesiology devices such as magneto, etc.

    Reply
    • Hi Emiliano,
      It is a complex case and it is difficult to assess it without seeing it and being able to review the medical evidence. Even so, and with the patient in consultation, these are usually cases of high diagnostic complexity. We recommend that you make an appointment by calling 910 053 900 to evaluate your case.
      Greetings

      Reply
  23. Good morning. They took an MRI because I had a bad blow to my foot and this was the conclusion. Serohematic collection from the dorsal margin of the subcutaneous cell plane surrounded by diffuse edema. muscular contusion of the adjacent dorsal interosseous second metatarsus.
    laterally positioned sesamoids in degree I. osteoarthritic changes metatarsal dorsal margin of the middle feet, without collections, moderate atrophy of the abductor muscle of the fifth finger to be related to the Baxter neuropraxia clinic

    Reply
  24. Good evening, I had an MRI and discrete signs of subchondral edema were observed in the iliac joint contour of the left sacroiliac joint in its lower region to be evaluated with MRI of these joints.

    Reply
  25. I had an accident on November 19, 2023, until today, January 25, 2024, I feel a lot of pain in my left foot, I was diagnosed with a sprain in my left ankle, also an avulsive fracture of the lateral process of the talus and bone edema of the the head of the talus through the medial left hindfoot, I will only now start kinesiology treatment, what can you advise me?

    Reply
  26. Hello! I have had bone edema in 1/3 of the distal phase of the fibula for almost 8 months. I did many hours of magnetotherapy throughout the summer and now I just did a shock wave treatment because I still have edema, according to the last MRI. What should I do now? They told me to wait a month for the shock waves to end before playing soccer again. However, I don't see progress in anything and having 8 months of bone edema at such a young age seems strange to me. Any comments on the topic are appreciated. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Hello Aliana,
      In a month your edema may be better. Although if it does not improve, we recommend that you go for a second consultation.
      You can make an appointment with one of our specialist traumatologists by calling 91 005 39 00.
      Greetings

      Reply
  27. Hello. In the 2022 lumbar MRI, among other things, a disc protrusion appeared in L4/L5 and a disc herniation in L5/S1.
    For 3 months I have had lower back pain that is much more acute and different than what I had, so my traumatologist has prescribed a new MRI. In this one from 02/01/2024 it appears "Subtle bone edema on both pedicles of L5."
    Is the edema serious? Can it be treated?
    Thank you

    Reply
      • The traumatologist diagnosed me with bone edema in the kneecap. He just told me not to hit him again. He didn't give me instructions that I should go to a physiotherapist or anything, the edema is still there because it hurts almost every day and it was almost six months ago.

        Reply
  28. I have had knee pain for 4 months and just a month ago I was diagnosed with increased bone marrow signal in the femoral condyle and anterior lateral tibial plateau with characteristics of edema, probably secondary to bone contusion.
    Can this edema still be reversed? How long can it last? Since I have not had treatment because I did not know I had that edema. However, I have pain when I'm at rest, but it's still not that acute.

    Reply
  29. I am an amateur soccer player, I was having severe pain in my ankle and they detected:
    «The study carried out shows signs of bone edema on the postero-medial aspect of the
    talar bone. Signs of edema are recognized on the internal aspect of the bone
    navicular. It suggests signs of bone stress without clear evidence of fracture lines.
    "It associates edema over the tibial physis and calcaneal physis, the latter being more evident."
    What recovery time is estimated? If the pain subsides, can I continue doing activities?

    Thank you so much !

    Reply
  30. Hello, good afternoon
    I had an accident at work and the stoka, which is a heavy machine, fell on my left ankle and the traumatologist detected a fissure through x-rays but they did not do an MRI. When I went to physical medicine, the swelling did not go down and the doctor Physical medicine told me to go to traumatology and have an MRI done, there they detected edema and I'm 8 months old and the pain is still strong, just under the swelling a little due to the therapies but the same strong pain continues

    Reply
    • Hello Rosmery,
      A new MRI will have to be performed to see the progress of the edema and to indicate what may be happening.
      If you are following your case with a traumatologist, come for a consultation to follow up on your case.
      Greetings

      Reply
  31. Bonjour, suite à une fracture en t7 et une plus modere en t8 en juillet 2023 osteoporose sevère worthystiquer j ai un oedeme osseux persistant. La douleur est revenu depuis peu plus fortement même au repos, sachant que j ai également 2 hernie intra spongieuse, arthrose lombaire et cervicale et discopathie dégénérative lombaire et cervicale et bonbement de c3 à c7…
    J ai 2 séance de kiné par semaine..pour tous cela et pour 2 œdèmes osseux tibial et fémoral au genou et mâles le kiné depuis juillet 2023 rien ne change que faire? Svp

    Reply
  32. Hello,
    J'ai effectué une IRM suite à une douleur au level de la malléole latérale qui apparait en courant, peut triggere et réapparaitre pendant la course et n'était pas douloureux au repos ou à la marche, cela me faisait comme une petite décharge dans la malléole en courant, la conclusion de l'IRM est un oedème osseux plus modéré au niveau de la malléole latérale, de ce fait la radiologue m'a conseillé encore 10j sans courir et qu'après je pouvais reprendre la course à pied.
    What advice can you provide to this diagnosis? Let's know that the IRM was performed on 12/09 and that the douleur is present after it starts with a sensation of blocking the clock after the last one.

    Thanks for the progress.

    Best regards

    Reply
    • Bonjour Delattre, L'œdème osseux de la malléole latérale indicate a surcharge in this zone, peut-être liée à la répétition d'impacts lors de la course à pied. Voici quelques conseils suite à votre diagnosis:

      Evitez de courir pendant au moins les 10 jours recommandés par le radiologue pour permettre à l'os affecté de guérir. L'application de glace et le maintien de la cheville surélevée peuvent aider à réduire le gonflement. Strengthen the muscles of the neck with the exercises of mobility and reinforcement recommended by a physiotherapist. Reprenez progressively your activities after you have rested, commençant par des exercises à faible impact tels que la marche ou la natation. Think about wearing the appropriate shoes with a good love to reduce the impact on your vehicle so you can recommence it in the future.

      It is important to know the medical advice to avoid a rechute or an aggravation of the blessure.

      Cordialement, je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.

      Reply
  33. Bonjour. J'ai eu une opération de la colonne vertebrale bas du two arthrodèse en 2019. Je viens d'avoir une très forte douleur en me levant le matin,, puis la chaleur me montait au visage et nausées, et ensuite perte de connaissance. Je suis relevée, mes jambes ne me tenaient plus, donc déambulateur. MRI: osseux en miroir. Mon médecin ne connait pas. I was advised to review the surgery, more than 80km, and only for English children. Did you comment?

    Reply
    • Hello,
      It is essential that you consult a specialist, ideally a chirurgien, to evaluate your status. If it is difficult to experience pleasure, consult a local medical consultation or the telemedicine to obtain advice on the next steps.
      Best regards

      Reply
  34. Hello good morning
    I had internal meniscus surgery 5 months ago. I developed bone edema with subchondral injury shortly after. I have been treated with daily magnetotherapy and intra-articular PRP but I have not improved and I must continue with partial discharge. Could I improve with intraosseous PRP? What other techniques would you recommend? Thank you.

    Reply
  35. For more than 6 months I have had a dull pain every day in the front of the muscle below the groin. I had an MRI of my HIPS, which resulted in bilateral CAM-type FA impingement, and foci of edema or subchondral cyst in the upper acetabular flange on the left side. I am a patient over 50 years old and have been practicing sports for many years, such as cycling and running regularly.
    I have also been suffering from chronic pain for about 3 years in my right leg. I have been diagnosed with degenerative neuropathy, low back pain-lumbo-sciatica/radiculargia, treated with numerous epidural blocks and RF_P. I have improved a little, but the pain has not completely subsided. One pain may be associated with another.
    What do you advise me?

    Reply
    • Hi Carlos,
      Hip and leg pain may be related due to pressure on the lumbar nerves. It is advisable to consult a specialist to evaluate integrated treatment options and improve your quality of life.
      You can make an appointment at our center by calling 91 005 39 00.
      Greetings

      Reply
  36. Good morning: When edema is caused by the friction of two vertebrae against each other due to the absence of the vertebral disc, what is recommended?
    Greetings

    Reply
    • Good morning, Mercedes.
      In cases where edema is caused by the vertebrae rubbing together due to the absence of the intervertebral disc, treatment options may include:

      – Conservative therapy: Physical rehabilitation, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or infiltrations to control pain and inflammation.
      – Orthopedics: Use of corsets or supports to limit movements that worsen the friction.
      – Surgery: In severe cases, arthrodesis (spinal fusion) or disc replacement may be considered.

      It is essential that a specialist evaluate your case to determine the best option. You can make an appointment with our team of spine experts by calling +34 91 005 39 00
      Greetings

      Reply
  37. Good morning, I had the MRI and the result is only edema in L4.
    Interspinous D12 l 1
    Lumbar edema..
    He has been bedridden for three months now, unable to move his lower limbs… I would like God to bless him in advance if it helps.

    Reply
    • Hello Brajhan,
      We are very sorry to hear about your situation. Edema in L4 and other areas could be affecting mobility. It is crucial to evaluate your case in person to design an appropriate treatment. Please request a consultation by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00. We are here to help you.
      Greetings

      Reply
  38. Hello,
    Je seravi d'avoir votre retour sur le résultat de ce jour suite à un IRM. Je pensais avoir un tendinite à l'insertion de l'adducteur gauche, mais l'IRM a révélé un Œdème osseux sous chondral du versant gauche pubis. Je suis étonné car même aujourd'hui si je cours tranquillement je n'ai pratiquement aucune douleur, et c'est plutot le lendemain au repose que la douleur apparait.
    Does this type of pathology require a complete repos? pendant combination of temps?
    Thank you for your help

    Reply
    • Hello,

      L'œdème osseux sous-chondral au level du pubis peut être une cause de douleur. Le repos et la rééducation are essential to allow the guérison of this type of injuries, in particular if the douleur apparaît lendemain après le repos.
      Nous vous recommendations de suivre les indications de votre médecin, qui pourra vous fournir des conseils plus précis sur la durée du repos necessaire et si une physiothérapie est necessaire en complément. In certain cases, the repos can be part of the combination with specific exercises to maintain mobility without adding to the safety.
      If you have a second notice or more information, please do not hesitate to ask our specialists to apply for +34 91 005 39 00 so that we can evaluate your exams and recommend the appropriate treatment.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  39. Hello, I have chronic synovitis in the third finger of my right hand caused by a work accident, which has been operated on three times and has been on sick leave for two years, and they can't operate on it anymore, so the finger is swollen and very painful, and I can't close my hand. After a fall at work and 12 days off work, I was discharged and decided on my own to have an MRI, and they told me that there was bone edema in that finger. What should I do, please?

    Reply
    • Hello Rosario,

      Chronic synovitis and bone edema can complicate recovery, and it is important to have your current situation evaluated by a specialist to determine the best treatment options. If surgery is no longer feasible, there may be alternatives such as physical therapy, medications, or less invasive treatments that can help control pain and improve mobility. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team of specialists to evaluate your case and determine the best treatment by calling 91 005 39 00.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  40. Hello, I have been suffering from this disease for 7 years. They are located in L4 and L5, S4 S5. It was diagnosed by an MRI. I really don't know what to do anymore. They did a blockage 2 months ago, but when I move, the pain returns. I am from Argentina. I would like some advice. The pain is unbearable. I thought about having surgery. I hope for an answer. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hello Sandra,

      We are sorry that you are going through this situation and we understand how difficult it can be to deal with persistent pain. Bone edema in the lumbar area can cause long-term discomfort, and its treatment depends on multiple factors. If the block has not been enough to relieve the pain, it would be advisable to have a specialist evaluate your case and your medical studies in detail to determine the most appropriate options.

      In the meantime, you may want to try measures such as avoiding sudden movements that trigger pain, maintaining proper posture, and applying cold or heat depending on what helps relieve discomfort. In some cases, physical therapy or certain exercises can help improve the stability of the lower back, but it is essential that they are prescribed by a doctor taking into account your particular situation.

      If you wish, we can schedule an online consultation with our team to review your case and offer you more precise guidance.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  41. Hello.

    I have just been diagnosed with foci of bone edema in segment Co1, suggestive of a fracture.
    I wanted to know how it heals, and whether or not I fractured my tailbone or sacrum.

    Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Hello Paula,

      The treatment and progression of bone edema depend on several factors, so a detailed evaluation is important to determine the most appropriate approach. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists to discuss your case in depth and answer any questions you may have regarding diagnosis and treatment.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  42. Bonjour j'ai passer un irm on m'a diagnostiqué un oedeme osseux zygapophysaire l4 l5 gauche avec lésion débutante zygarthrose l4 l5 et sa fait 4mois et demi que j'ai mal malgré séances kiné et séance ostéopathe

    Reply
    • Hello Priscillia,

      It is important to consult a specialist in traumatology or rhumatology to evaluate whether an adjustment of the treatment is necessary. Si la douleur persiste malgré les séances de kinésithérapie et d'ostéopathie, d'autres options pourraient être envisagées, comme des infiltrations, une adaptation de la rééducation ou des examinations complémentaires pour exclure d'autres causes. Il serait également usefule de revoir vos activités quotidiennes et votre posture afin d'éviter toute surcharge de la zone concernedée.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  43. Bonjour, my companion to a fracture contusion of the posterior part of the external femoral condyle with an important osseux
    Pouvez-vous m'éclairer sur ce point svp ? il ya également une lame d'épanchement intra articulaire. In simplified language does this mean what you say?
    J'ai pu see qu'il fallait avoir retours à la chirurgie pour ce type de fracture.

    Reply
    • Hello Mickael,

      Il n'est pas toujours nécessaire de recourir à la chirurgie. In the name of the case, the treatment can include repos, physiothérapie and anti-inflammatories medicines. Cependant, the decision depends on the gravity of the fracture, on the stability of the joint and on the evolution of symptoms.

      I recommend that your partner be evaluated by a specialist in traumatology to determine the most appropriate treatment. If you are happy, we can help you organize a consultation with our team.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  44. I have plantar fasciitis, joint effusion, and I think it's in my heel. I have bone edema or something similar. I'm a marathoner, 64, and I want to keep running. Hugs from Bogotá, Colombia.

    Reply
    • Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience and for reading the article. What you describe—plantar fasciitis, joint effusion, and possible bone edema in the heel—may be related to the overload caused by sports activities, especially if you frequently run marathons. At your age, a detailed evaluation by a specialist is essential to assess the extent of the edema and any other associated conditions.

      Bone edema often requires rest, anti-inflammatory treatments, and, in some cases, specific physical therapy. Continuing to run without an accurate diagnosis could worsen the injury. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team so they can help you treat your injury optimally.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  45. Hello, I have D9 bone edema and hemangion. I took treatment until I became allergic to everything... and physiotherapy sessions and ozone therapy and I have pain from everything... it came out of nowhere, only pain since 2018 and I am almost 52 years old. I wanted to know how to cure it. I can't take it anymore. Best regards.

    Reply
    • Hello,

      Treatment depends largely on the progression of the injury, your symptoms, and how you've responded to previous therapies. Since you've already tried various options without the expected improvement and have also experienced adverse reactions, it would be advisable for our spine specialists to evaluate your case in detail. This way, we can study your situation in depth, review the most recent imaging, and assess safe and personalized therapeutic alternatives.

      Greetings.

      Reply
  46. A L'IRM on a diagnostiqué un Oedéme osseux médullaire aux condyles fémoraux et ca fait mal au genou. aucun traumatisme subi.douleurs meme au repos. j'ai une surcharge ponderale qui peut expliquer ceci.pouvez vous me renseigner sur le délai de guerison notons que juis en décharge avec des béquilles.

    Reply
    • A œdème médullaire des condyles peut être lié à une surcharge ou à une fracture d'insuffisance. Avec décharge, amélioration en 6–12 weeks; disparition complete parfois 3–6 mois. An orthopedic suivi is essential for adapter l'appui and treatment.

      Reply
  47. I am 74 years old and suffered a fall last December. I had an x-ray and was told that the pain was caused by the fall.
    After a month, as the pain persisted, I had an MRI and the result was:
    Recent fracture of the S2 vertebral body with abundant edema in both sacral wings suggesting fracture due to bone insufficiency; there are no signs of occupation of the sacral spinal canal.
    Severe right thoracolumbar scoliosis with advanced generalized discarthrosis. Wide spinal canal, without signs of nerve root compression. Foraminal narrowing in relation to the concavity of the scoliosis, consistent with mild-to-moderate stenosis.
    They told me to live a normal life with a little rest and that I would be better in a month.
    A month has passed, I'm moving around with limited ease (walker, cane, or leaning against a wall), I have very little pain (only with some "forced" movements), and I'd like to know if I need to go back to the orthopedist for another MRI or if it's unnecessary. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Marina, with a recent S2 fracture and sacral edema, recovery is usually slow even if the pain decreases. If you still have difficulty walking after a month, a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon is recommended, without needing another MRI unless there is a worsening of the condition, increasing pain, or neurological symptoms.

      Reply
    • Hello. We remind you that personalized medical guidance requires a consultation to safely assess each case. On this blog, we offer general information; for diagnosis and treatment, care is provided in a consultation by appointment with a transparent estimate. We don't scam anyone here; we are realistic and honest about our professionalism.

      Reply

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At Elgeadi Traumatología we are committed to our community and open to advise and answer any question whenever possible.

To offer an accurate diagnosis to the patient, a personalized evaluation and a thorough review of their medical history will always be necessary. Once the case has been studied individually, the most appropriate treatment will be recommended to the patient according to their pathology and/or illness.

Furthermore, at Elgeadi Traumatology, we would like to remind you that no medication will be prescribed without prior consultation.

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