[Computed tomography in the diagnosis of suppurative sacroiliitis in chronic pelvic osteomyelitis]

The object of the investigation was to study the possibilities of CT diagnosis of purulent sacroiliitis and evaluate the effect of its results on the choice of the volume of the surgical intervention and the operative tactics. The pelvis was examined in 15 patients with chronic hematogenic osteomyelitis of the pelvic bones; clinical signs of involvement of the sacroiliac articulation were encountered in 11 of them. There were 5 men and 6 women whose ages ranged from 18 to 62 years. The results of examination of the sacroiliac articulation were appraised in its upper, middle, and lower levels. The computed-tomographic signs of purulent sacroiliitis are shown. It was established that computed tomography is an effective modern method of spot-film examination of the sacroiliac articulations for which the patient does not have to be specially prepared. It yields objective information on the condition of the pelvic bones, including the sacroiliac articulation. The method makes it possible to determine the indications for the operation, choose the best operative approach in each specific case, and to predict beforehand the volume of the operative intervention.