Treatment of Pain in SAPHO (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis) Syndrome

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome includes a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and associated skin conditions. Diagnosis can be difficult but should be considered in the differential in patients with lytic, sclerotic, or hyperostotic bone lesions and pain. Appropriate and prompt treatment, including use of nonsteroidal medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen, colchicine, corticosteroids, and bisphosphonates, and use of disease-modifying agents such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine and infliximab, can produce improvement of symptoms. Multidisciplinary care, including the disciplines of rheumatology and dermatology, should be considered.