Current updates in MSK infection imaging: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Musculoskeletal infections pose diagnostic challenges.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
• Various imaging modalities are employed in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of diagnostic imaging techniques for musculoskeletal infections.
• To illustrate key imaging findings in common infections.
• To discuss the utility of different modalities in diagnosing specific conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on imaging in musculoskeletal infections.
• Inclusion of illustrative radiological images.
• Discussion of radiography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, and radionuclide imaging.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of imaging findings for osteomyelitis, cellulitis, septic arthritis, necrotising infections, and peri-prosthetic joint infections.
• Comparison of the diagnostic utility of different imaging techniques.
• Presentation of complications associated with these infections.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing musculoskeletal infections.
• Each imaging modality offers unique advantages for specific conditions.
• Radiological assessment guides therapeutic strategies and improves patient outcomes.