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Diagnostic imaging of osteomyelitis
D S Schauwecker1, E M Braunstein, L J Wheat
1Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Diagnosing osteomyelitis requires various imaging techniques. Plain radiographs offer affordability and accuracy but may delay diagnosis, while advanced imaging like CT and MRI excel in differentiating soft tissue from bone infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Osteomyelitis diagnosis relies on multiple imaging modalities.
- Each imaging technique presents distinct advantages and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the strengths and weaknesses of various imaging procedures for diagnosing osteomyelitis.
- To guide the selection of appropriate imaging based on clinical context.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diagnostic imaging for osteomyelitis.
- Comparison of plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scintigraphy, and radiolabeled antibody/leukocyte studies.
Main Results:
- Plain radiographs are cost-effective and accurate but can delay diagnosis.
- CT and MRI are effective in distinguishing soft tissue infection from osteomyelitis.
- CT, MRI, and bone scans are reliable when the bone is structurally intact.
- Indium-111 labeled studies are valuable in cases with prior surgery, trauma, or structural alterations.
Conclusions:
- The choice of imaging for osteomyelitis depends on factors like cost, speed, and the presence of structural bone changes.
- Advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI offer superior soft tissue differentiation.
- Radiolabeled studies are crucial for diagnosing osteomyelitis in complex orthopedic cases.