Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to review recent findings regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO).

RECENT FINDINGS: An adequate understanding of pathophysiology along with the new advances in MRI imaging make it possible to determine the extent of disease and establish early treatment. TNF-α inhibitors and bisphosphonates have shown to be a well-tolerated and efficient treatment for CRMO providing both symptomatic relief and normalization of bone morphology.

SUMMARY: The results of recent studies suggest that a better knowledge of the genetic and molecular factors will allow early diagnosis and the development of more effective individualized treatments in the future.