[Value of cross-sectional imaging in posttraumatic low grade infection]

Regarding imaging diagnostics in case of posttraumatic or postoperative chronic osteomyelitis, x-ray should be the first choice to obtain basic information of the affected bone. Because knowledge of the exact dimensions of the inflammatory changes is essential for adequate therapy planning, diagnostics via cross-sectional imaging is indicated in most cases. In order to adequately estimate the lesion's dimensions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice in these cases. Nuclear medicine examination techniques such as bone scintigraphy using specially marked granolocyte antibodies are alternatives to be considered for the evaluation of activated chronic osteomyelitis. CT exams are only rarely performed for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis if a bone sequester can not be proven by either x-ray or MRI.