Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome as an Emerging Clinical Condition: Investigating the Link with Bone Status—A Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background: Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome (BMEs) encompasses primary clinical conditions characterized by pain and high-intensity signals on fluid-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging at the subchondral bone level. This study aimed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and turnover markers in BMEs patients compared to a healthy control group. Methods: We selected from the records 165 patients—comprising Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1, n = 61), hip BMEs (n = 42), and knee BMEs (n = 62)—alongside 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Assessments included bone turnover markers, vitamin D levels, and BMD at the lumbar spine and femur by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) was calculated to estimate bone microarchitecture. Results: BMEs patients demonstrated significantly lower BMD across all skeletal sites and reduced TBS values compared to controls. Osteoporosis prevalence was significantly higher in all BMEs subgroups, with CRPS-1 and hip BMES patients showing higher rates than those with knee BMEs. No significant differences were observed in vitamin D or bone turnover markers between groups. Conclusions: Patients with CRPS-1 and BMEs of the hip or knee exhibit a higher prevalence of osteoporosis and compromised bone microarchitecture. These findings highlight a significant association between BME-related conditions and altered BMD/TBS parameters, suggesting a potential shared pathophysiological link.