IMAGING EVALUATION OF OSTEOMYELITIS

Bone infection, or osteomyelitis, is a common medical problem that is often difficult to diagnose. Osteomyelitis is not unusual in diabetic patients with foot ulcers and bedridden patients with decubitus ulcers - populations where diagnosis is especially difficult. Spinal osteomy elitis and septic arthritis require early diagnosis in order to avoid permanent debilitating consequences. Regardless of the clinical settin g, imaging plays an important role in establishing the diagnosis and d irecting treatment. A variety of imaging modalities may be used, inclu ding plain radiography, radionuclide imaging, computed tomography (CT) , and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Decisions regarding the best i maging modality can be challenging and should reflect the location of the suspected infection and associated illness or bony disorders.