Metaphyseal burst sign ; the first case report of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee in Iran

Abstract EN

Introduction: Metaphyseal burst sign, which is soft tissue edema in the metaepiphyseal region, is defined as a novel initial sign of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK).

Case Presentation: We reported the first Iranian case of the SIFK in femoral medial condyle characterized by a metaphyseal burst sign which could be an early sign of the SIFK.

Early diagnosis and treatment could dramatically relieve the sign and symptoms of patients with significant improvement of the MRI scan.

Conclusion: The metaphyseal burst sign as the initial specific sign of SIFK could be helpful for the early diagnose and management of the osteonecrosis of the affected area.

The SIFK could potentially progress into severe joints degenerative changes in a short time; therefore, it seems that an early diagnosis and treatment thereafter could help resolve the clinicoradiological signs and symptoms of SIFK.

This could postpone knee osteoarthritis and the need for joint arthroplasty.