Persisting Isolated Metacarpal Swelling and Pain in Adolescence: Consider Osteochondrosis

A 13-year-old right-handed girl presented with a 5-month history of isolated pain to her left second digit. Her past medical history was unremarkable. Radiography had been performed with negative results. Her left second metacarpophalangeal joint displayed redness, swelling, tenderness, and restricted mobility (Figure  1; available at www.jpeds.com). Magnetic resonance imaging showed bone edema of the second digit (Figure 2; available at www.jpeds.com), suggesting either a chronic osteomyelitis, a monofocal chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, or complex regional pain syndrome.

Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - March 6, 2019 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Luisa Cortellazzo Wiel, Giulia Gortani, Serena Pastore, Daniela Sanabor, Egidio Barbi Tags: Insights and Images Source Type: research