Pineda C, Espinosa R, Pena A, et al.
Seminars in plastic surgery. Date of publication 2009 May 1;volume 23(2):80-9.
1. Semin Plast Surg. 2009 May;23(2):80-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1214160.
Radiographic imaging in osteomyelitis: the role of plain radiography, computed
tomography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and scintigraphy.
Pineda C(1), Espinosa R, Pena A.
Author information:
(1)Rheumatology Department, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion, Mexico City,
Mexico.
The diagnostic imaging of osteomyelitis can require the combination of diverse
imaging techniques for an accurate diagnosis. Conventional radiography should
always be the first imaging modality to start with, as it provides an overview of
the anatomy and the pathologic conditions of the bone and soft tissues of the
region of interest. Sonography is most useful in the diagnosis of fluid
collections, periosteal involvement, and surrounding soft tissue abnormalities
and may provide guidance for diagnostic or therapeutic aspiration, drainage, or
tissue biopsy. Computed tomography scan can be a useful method to detect early
osseous erosion and to document the presence of sequestrum, foreign body, or gas
formation but generally is less sensitive than other modalities for the detection
of bone infection. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive and most
specific imaging modality for the detection of osteomyelitis and provides superb
anatomic detail and more accurate information of the extent of the infectious
process and soft tissues involved. Nuclear medicine imaging is particularly
useful in identifying multifocal osseous involvement.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214160
PMCID: PMC2884903
PMID: 20567730
