CRMO is a “diagnosis of exclusion.” This means that other diseases must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made because the bone changes can look like infection or cancer. Generally, many tests are required, such as blood tests, X-rays, bone scans, MRI, and sometimes a bone biopsy. There is no unique test to confirm the diagnosis of CRMO. Your doctor will decide which tests are needed to diagnose your child.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. Whole body MRI is the preferred imaging tool used to monitor CRMO. If whole body MRI is not available, an MRI of specific sites (such as an ankle or collarbone) and/or a bone scan may be done. A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that uses radioactive materials to highlight areas of abnormal bone. A bone scan is not as sensitive as an MRI but can give a whole body picture as a baseline. A bone biopsy is a procedure where a sample of bone is removed and tested for cancer, infection, or other bone diseases.