Focal Bone Marrow Lesions: A Complication of Ultrasound Diathermy
10.5397/cise.2019.22.1.40
- Author:
Seung Jae J KIM
1
;
Yusuhn KANG
;
Dae Ha KIM
;
Jae Young LIM
;
Joo Hyun PARK
;
Joo Han OH
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea. ohjh1@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Bone marrow lesion;
Osteonecrosis;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
Complications;
Diathermy
- MeSH:
Bone and Bones;
Bone Marrow;
Diathermy;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Humeral Head;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Osteonecrosis;
Soft Tissue Injuries;
Ultrasonography
- From:Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
2019;22(1):40-45
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Ultrasound diathermy is widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and other soft tissue injuries. Its use as a therapeutic modality is believed to be safe, with very few reported complications. Here, we report two patients who developed focal bone marrow abnormalities after receiving ultrasound diathermy. Both patients' magnetic resonance (MR) evaluations revealed linear subchondral bone lesions of the superolateral humeral head similar to those in osteonecrosis. The patients' symptoms subsequently improved, and available follow-up MR evaluation revealed near complete resolution of bone lesions. These findings suggest that ultrasound diathermy, and its interaction with bone tissue through thermal mechanisms, can cause focal bone marrow abnormalities. Furthermore, the bone marrow abnormalities seem to be transient, resolving upon cessation of ultrasound diathermy, therefore osteonecrosis should be differentiated from this temporal lesion.
