1993 William J. Stickel Bronze Award. Imaging of the infected foot. Fact or fancy?

Advancements in methods of imaging infection have surpassed their worth. Although scientifically substantiated, their clinical pertinence is frequently disappointing. Diabetic infections, postoperative or traumatic sequelae, rheumatologic conditions, and Charcot disease are difficult to differentiate from osseous infection because they all manifest as inflammation. As this country struggles to contain health care costs, a critical investigation regarding the practical benefits of imaging osteomyelitis in the foot is overdue.