title: Radionuclide imaging in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.
abstract: Despite controversy over its exact role, radionuclide imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of patients suspected of having osteomyelitis. The differentiation between osteomyelitis and cellulitis is best accomplished by using a three-phase technique using Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP). Frequently, it is necessary to obtain multiple projections and magnification views to adequately assess suspected areas. It is recommended that a Ga-67 or In-111 leukocyte scan be performed in those cases where osteomyelitis is strongly suspected clinically and the routine bone scan is equivocal or normal. Repeated bone scan after 48 to 72 h may demonstrate increased radioactivity in the case of early osteomyelitis with the initial photon-deficient lesion. In-111 leukocyte imaging is useful for the evaluation of suspected osteomyelitis complicating recent fracture or operation, but must be used in conjunction with clinical and radiographic correlation. The recognition of certain imaging patterns appears helpful to separate osteomyelitis from septic arthritis or cellulitis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Imaging, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston.
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Haynie
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Podoloff
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Harle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D007223:Infant; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate
chemical_list: D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate