[Bone marrow edema and joint injuries]

The development of bone marrow edema in body regions adjacent to joints can have many causes and a differentiation is not possible using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Bone marrow edema is not necessarily an indication for microfractures. The definition of bone marrow edema is a purely radiological description. There is no uniform classification of bone marrow edema. The clinical significance, therapy and course are heterogeneous; therefore, there are no uniform recommendations for therapy.A bone marrow edema visible in MRI does not always lead to certain inferences regarding the pathogenesis. In order to be able to detect fractures it is necessary to carry out a biopsy and a histological examination.The interpretation of MRI results and the derivation of a therapy in every case need a balanced assessment of the MRI results, medical history, clinical investigations and clinical symptoms.