Focal Periphyseal Edema: An Uncommon Cause of Adolescent Knee Pain: A Report of Three Cases.

Focal periphyseal edema (FOPE) zones have only recently been described as a cause of joint pain in adolescence. The literature is limited to a few case reports and radiologic studies describing this symptomatic physeal pathology. This series describes 3 adolescent patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed FOPE zones of the distal femur. Repeat MRI of 2 of the 3 patients showed improvement yet incomplete resolution of the bone edema, corresponding with persistent knee pain.FOPE zones usually improve with conservative treatment, but may be a cause of persistent knee pain in adolescents.