Osteitis condensans ilii in differential diagnosis of patients with chronic low back pain: a review of the literature

Abstract

Osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) is a benign pathology causing chronic back and hip pain. Although the definitive cause is uncertain, mechanical stress is a significant factor in the development of the disease. Bilateral involvement of the sacroiliac joint is typical. We describe a case of unilateral OCI with unilateral sclerosis observed at radiography in a 34-year-old patient presenting with chronic back and hip pain, together with a review of the literature.

Refractory osteitis condensans ilii: Outcome of a novel mini-invasive surgical approach

“…This finding has been confirmed by many authors [1,3]. However, all cases in this series were females; this could be related to prevalence of the risk factors among them such as pregnancy and repeated urinary tract infection due to their short urethra.…”

“…Although the prevalence of OCI is 1.6-2.5 % in literature, and usually it has a benign course, some cases are refractory to conservative management resulting in different degrees of disability [1,3,9,10].…”

“…It has been postulated that the gravid uterus may compress the abdominal aorta and cause ischemia in the inferior portion of the ilium; however, this has never been substantiated [11,12]. Other studies have suggested that mechanical stress of pregnancy itself may overload the sacroiliac articulation and cause the disorder [3,4]. Gillespie and Lloyd-Roberts described 21 cases, all occurring in females who had borne children; they felt that the probable pathogenesis was an obliterative endarteritis that follows parturition [13].…”

“…The fact that the disease is more commonly observed among patients who have given birth supports this hypothesis; however, no clear association between pregnancy and OCI has been shown. Males and nulliparous females have also been afflicted with the disorder [1,3].…”

Osteitis CondensansIlii - A Rare Presentation

“…Although definitive cause is unknown. Most popular hypothesis is mechanical stress in development of the disease 7 . It is a self remitting condition but in a small group of patient may develop chromic LBP due to OCI.…”