The radiographic presentation of osteomyelitis in the foot

Numerous authors have described the radiographic findings associated with osteomyelitis. Knowledge of these findings and their presentation radiographically may make diagnosis of this pathology quite simple. The challenge comes not in diagnosing osteomyelitis based on gross radiographic evidence; by this time, the disease has significantly progressed. The challenge is to be able to recognize early, subtle changes, and, in conjunction with clinical findings, to diagnose and treat the disease before classic radiographic evidence is demonstrated.