Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), also known as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), is a rare inflammatory bone disease. Unlike typical osteomyelitis, which is caused by bacteria, CNO involves sterile (non-infectious) inflammation of the bones. The immune system mistakenly attacks bone tissue, causing painful swelling and damage in one or more bones. The condition most commonly affects children and teenagers, though adults can also be diagnosed. The disease tends to come and go in flares, meaning patients experience periods of active bone pain and inflammation followed by quieter periods with fewer symptoms. The most commonly affected bones include the long bones of the legs, the collarbone, the spine, and the pelvis. Patients often experience deep bone pain, swelling near affected areas, and sometimes limping or difficulty moving. Some people also develop skin conditions like psoriasis or palmoplantar pustulosis, or inflammatory bowel disease alongside their bone symptoms. Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and managing pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen are usually the first treatment tried. For patients who do not respond well to NSAIDs, stronger medications such as bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, or biologic therapies like TNF-alpha inhibitors may be used. While there is no definitive cure, many children experience improvement or even remission as they grow older, though some patients continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How many bones are currently affected, and what does the imaging show?,What treatment do you recommend starting with, and what are the possible side effects?,How often will my child need follow-up imaging, and will whole-body MRI be used?,What signs should I watch for that would mean the disease is getting worse or a new flare is starting?,Are there any activities or sports my child should avoid?,Should we screen for related conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or skin problems?,Is genetic testing recommended in our case, and should other family members be evaluated?

Common questions about Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis.

• Langerhans cell histiocytosis→
• Majeed syndrome→