Osteitis Condensans

A review of the literature is given. Radiological evidence of osteitis condensans is not infrequent and was found in 2·2 per cent. in a recent review of 760 lumbosacral spines, at St. Peter's Hospital, Botleys Park. The radiological appearances and differential diagnosis are discussed. The macroscopic and microscopic appearances of a piece of bone removed from an osteitis condensans lesion are described, and the aetiology and pathology are discussed. The writers favour, as a cause, the vascular deficiency hypothesis. Reference is made to the clinical significance of the condition. The ultimate conclusion is drawn that osteitis condensans at the pelvic articulations is evidence of an old trauma, frequently associated with disc lesions. If the radiological findings are associated with severe backache and demonstrable physical signs, the cause of the pain should be sought elsewhere.