Radionuclide uptake during the evolution of experimental acute osteomyelitis

The findings of technetium 99m MDP and gallium 67 citrate scintigraphy are described in the first four days following experimental acute osteomyelitis of the tibia of rabbits. On the day of inoculation, defects in activity are observed in both the perfusion, and bone phases of technetium scintigraphy. Similar defects are achieved by saline injection. On subsequent days technetium scintigraphy reveals an increased activity in the perfusion stage but a persisting defect of activity in the bone phase. Gallium activity is increased throughout the period of the study in inoculated animals but not in those injected with saline. It is concluded that 99Tcm MDP, in its perfusion phase, and 67Ga citrate are highly sensitive indicators of bone inflammation and that early osteomyelitis is characterized by increased activity with these agents together with a technetium bone scan defect.