MRI findings of intermediate cuneiform osteochondrosis as a rare cause of foot pain in a child

Few cases of intermediate cuneiform osteochondrosis have been described in the literature. In this report we present a case of a 9-year-old boy with a 2-month history of right foot pain and edema, especially near the third metatarsal, without previous trauma. Also, there were no signs of inflammation, erythema, or fever. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bone edema, mild sclerosis, and volumetric reduction of the intermediate cuneiform. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed as treatment. Symptoms remitted spontaneously after 2 weeks. The pain did not return, and the patient was asymptomatic after 3 months. Imaging studies such as X-ray, CT, and MRI are important to identify this condition and may avoid unnecessary tests and treatments such as laboratory exams, scintigraphy, and bone biopsies. Due to the benign nature as well as the possibility of it presenting with no symptoms, we believe that it may be considered as a variant of bone maturation or a self-limited condition.