Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
A New Diagnostic Clue to Osteomyelitis in Chronic Leg Ulcers
Ami Schattner1, Ina Dubin1, Moshe Gelber1
1Department of Medicine, Laniado Hospital, Sanz Medical Center, Netanya, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Background:
Chronic leg ulcers are not infrequently complicated by chronic osteomyelitis, which mandates special treatment but may not be evident on radiography. Inflammatory cytokines may cause reactive thrombocytosis in chronic osteomyelitis.
Methods:
Platelet counts were compared in a group of 24 inpatients with chronic leg ulcers and proven chronic osteomyelitis and 24 inpatients with chronic leg ulcers in whom osteomyelitis was not found.
Results:
Mean and median platelet counts were significantly higher in the leg ulcer and osteomyelitis group vs the leg ulcer group (P <.001). At a cutoff of >350 × 10(9)/L, sensitivity was 62.5%, but specificity was 91.7%, with a positive predictive value of 88%.
Conclusion:
Thrombocytosis in chronic leg ulcers is a new, simple, readily available and inexpensive clue to osteomyelitis in chronic leg ulcers when identified, but its absence cannot rule it out.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management