Brief Overview of Modern Methods of Radiological Diagnostics of Osteomyelitis
Abstract
Osteomyelitis is inflammation of the bone that is usually due to infection. An inadequate or late diagnosis increases the degree of complications and morbidity; for these reasons, imaging techniques are essential to confirm the presumed clinical diagnosis and to provide information regarding the exact site and extent of the infection process.This review discusses various imaging tools employed to diagnose osteomyelitis: X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, bone scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography. When used appropriately, diagnostic imaging can provide high sensitivity and specificity for detecting osteomyelitis, making radiological evaluation a crucial step in the diagnostic process of this debilitating condition.