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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice
Published on: October 16, 2014
Musculoskeletal infection imaging: past, present, and future
Santiago Restrepo1, Daniel Vargas, Roy Riascos
1Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, Room 212, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. crestr@lsuhsc.edu
Abstract:
Imaging plays a key role in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected musculoskeletal infection. Although conventional radiograph still remains as the initial imaging approach, it has low sensitivity and specificity in the setting of acute infection. Magnetic resonance is highly sensitive for the detection of acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Computed tomography is usually reserved for guided interventional procedures (eg, aspiration or drainage) and for evaluation of sinus tracts in chronic infections. Ultrasound is useful for fluid detection in joints and soft tissues but limited in bone assessment. Nuclear medicine, with the different radiotracers currently available, is highly sensitive for the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Newer radiotracers are being developed that promise high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of these pathologies.
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