Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

SAPHO syndrome is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by a constellation of osteoarticular and dermatological manifestations, including Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis. It often poses a diagnostic challenge due to its overlapping features with other musculoskeletal conditions.
Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder, with a reported prevalence of approximately 1 in 1,000,000 individuals. It typically presents in children and adolescents and is characterized by sterile bone inflammation, often mimicking infectious osteomyelitis.
We present a rare case of a 16-year-old boy who initially presented with clinical and radiological features suggestive of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis. However, further evaluation, including the presence of cutaneous manifestations and imaging findings, led to a diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome, mimicking chronic osteomyelitis. This case highlights the importance of considering SAPHO syndrome in the differential diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis, especially in paediatric populations with atypical clinical courses.