[Direct radiographic magnification in bone infections]

An experimental model of bacterial osteomyelitis was used to investigate the correlation of direct radiographic magnification and histopathologic changes in the femora of rabbits. The histopathologic changes demonstrated a severe chronic state of osteomyelitis. The extent of radiographic changes was more clearly recognizable with direct radiological enlargement (up to 15-fold) than on normal radiographs: this applied to destruction of marrow and cortical bone, formation of sequestra, and (frequently) extraosseous extension. Histopathologic findings were in agreement with the changes revealed by direct radiographic enlargement.