Bone Marrow Edema
Valuable Facts about Bone Marrow Edema
Bone marrow edema can have multiple causes; trauma, osteoarthritis or inflammation as in rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors and researchers have been concentrating on studies of this condition as it relates to all of these diseases.
Bone structure is an interesting feature of the human body. The outer surface of bones, called “compact bone” is made up of both living and non-living materials. They come in many sizes and shapes to complement the body and protect vital organs. In a cavity found in the center of bones is a substance called bone marrow. Marrow may be either red, which is a soft tissue where blood cells are made or yellow marrow which is a storage unit for fat.
Bones are very hard, but can still sustain damage under the right circumstances. This is also true of bone marrow. Bone marrow edema is the associated swelling from one of several causes, including some type of injury or trauma, osteoarthritis or inflammation. The condition is fairly common, and identified through MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a disorder suffered by many people; with age increasing the chance of its development. Knee osteoarthritis can result in joint swelling and fluid accumulation, and many believe that bone marrow edema is a precursor for the disease. The presence of the swelling could very well increase the odds of getting osteoarthritis of the knee. While the relationship between the two has yet to be proven, very strong facts have been presented to support the theory. Interestingly enough, different types of bone marrow edema lesions have been identified in people with bow legs and people who are knock kneed.
Sports enthusiasts often suffer compression injuries to their limbs. The resulting swelling from a fracture or a break causes bone marrow edema, especially with the greatest likelihood occurring between two bony areas. How much edema is experienced depends on the type of and the extent of trauma to the areas. Again, Magnetic Resonance is the only method of assessing the edema.
Inflammation of joint areas is a common feature of rheumatoid arthritis. For those in the early stages of the disease, bone marrow edema shown on Magnetic Resonance Imaging can actually forecast the progression of the wearing away of bone matter that is related to the disease. This detection and prediction can help medical professionals to aggressively treat rheumatoid arthritis early in the disease, which will undoubtedly result in less joint damage down the road.
Bone marrow edema is a condition that has been under great scrutiny by medical professionals and researchers for many years. The studies have concentrated on subsequent dangers of individuals developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but have also focused on underlying issues relating to sports injuries.