Bilateral Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome of the Femoral Head with a Unique Onset: A Case Report

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare condition which mainly affects the hip area. The etiology and pathogenesis of BMES is still unclear. Pain near the affected area, regional osteoporosis, bone marrow edema (identified using magnetic resonance imaging) and spontaneous regression within 6-12 months are the main characteristics of BMES. In this case, a 52-year-old male was diagnosed with BMES of the right hip followed by spontaneous subsiding of symptoms. After 3 years, and under nearly the same social and physical conditions, he was admitted again with newly developed left hip pain and again diagnosed with BMES. We report this rare case since a similar one has not been previously reported in the domestic literature and may be considered valuable for basic research relating to the pathogenesis of BMES.