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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2006; 10(3): 177-186
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957171
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

MRI Findings in the Subchondral Bone Marrow: A Discussion of Conditions Including Transient Osteoporosis, Transient Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome, SONK, and Shifting Bone Marrow Edema of the Knee

Holly C. Gil1 , Scott M. Levine1 , Adam C. Zoga2
  • 1Brown Medical School, Department of Diagnostic Imaging Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
  • 2Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 December 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Bone marrow edema signal can be seen in many settings ranging from trauma and arthritis to less common conditions including transient osteoporosis, transient bone marrow edema syndrome, true osteonecrosis, spontaneous osteonecrosis, and shifting bone marrow edema. Terms such as spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) appear frequently in the radiology and orthopedics literature but are rarely described on true, histologic basis. This article reviews the less frequently encountered and less well understood entities and explores their potential pathophysiologies and significance.

KEYWORDS

Transient osteoporosis - transient bone marrow edema syndrome - shifting bone marrow edema - osteonecrosis - SONK - spontaneous osteonecrosis - hip - knee

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Holly C GilM.D. 

Department of Diagnostic Imaging Rhode Island Hospital

593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903

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