ABSTRACT
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. The main characteristics on plain X-rays are a lytic destruction in the metaphyseal region of the long bones followed by progressive sclerosis. The symmetrical pattern and the frequent involvement of the sternoclavicular joints and vertebrae are typical. An association with palmoplantar pustulosis has also been described. Laboratory findings are nonspecific. Although MRI is not necessary to make the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis, it is useful in assessing the extent and the evolution of the lesions. CRMO of the tibial and fibular bones is described in a 14-year-old girl, who suffered from pain and soft tissue swelling in both ankles. Initial plain X-rays and laboratory findings were normal. After relapsing clinically, progressive sclerosis of both fibular bones occurred. Lytic lesions in the left tibia and both fibular bones were visible. Scintigraphic examination showed pathologic tracer accumulation in both legs. The diagnosis of CRMO was suggested based on CT and MRI findings. CRMO was confirmed after curettage and bone biopsy. Histopathological findings were consistent with active chronic osteomyelitis.
Subject(s)
Osteomyelitis/diagnosis , Adolescent , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Osteomyelitis/therapy , RecurrenceABSTRACT
Electrical stimulation of osteogenesis was studied in rabbit femora in: (A) a transcortical electric field with a cortex-depolarizing or hyperpolarizing orientation derived from an intramedullary electrode and a ring-shaped counter electrode encircling the femoral shaft; and (B) an electric field derived from an electrode located in the medullary canal and the counter electrode in the abdominal wall. Electrodes were made of platinum. A direct current of 20 microA was applied during six weeks. Contralateral femora with dummy electrodes served as controls. Results were analyzed by optical densitometry of roentgenograms and histomorphometry of histologic slides. Under the conditions of these experiments bone growth was not stimulated by applying a cortex-depolarizing electric field. Significant stimulation of bone growth was only observed at an intramedullary cathode, when the anode was placed at a distance.
Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation/methods , Femur/physiology , Osteogenesis , Animals , Electric Stimulation/instrumentation , Electrodes, Implanted , Femur/anatomy & histology , Femur/diagnostic imaging , Rabbits , RadiographySubject(s)
Osteogenesis , Oxygen Consumption , Animals , Dogs , Electric Stimulation , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Muscles/metabolismABSTRACT
A theory for the mechanism of electrical bone stimulation proposes that passage of an electric current reduces the local PO2 and raises the pH near the cathode, thereby creating a favorable environment for osteogenesis. To study the effects of electric current passage on the PO2, PCO2 and pH in the vicinity of the electrodes in vivo, a wire electrode spiralled around the catheter of a clinical mass spectrometer was placed in dog muscle. Electrodes were made of stainless steel or platinum. With a cathode located in the tissue, a 20-microA direct constant current caused a drop in PO2 of 5-10 mmHg and a drop in PCO2 of 2-6 mmHg, both reaching plateaus again within five to 20 minutes. The time required to reach this new equilibrium was shorter for platinum than for stainless steel. When the electric current was turned off, PO2 and PCO2 reversed to their original values. Because of the high buffer capacity of tissue, it is highly unlikely that 20-microA current would induce a change in pH.
