Craniotomy flap osteomyelitis: a diagnostic approach.
Nine cases of suspected craniotomy flap osteomyelitis evaluated by combined bone and gallium scanning are presented. In six cases, the clinical data were inconclusive and evaluation by radionuclide imaging provided an accurate negative diagnosis. The other three cases considered positive by this technique were proven infected at subsequent exploration and flap removal. The use of radionuclide bone and gallium imaging should be considered in cases of possible craniotomy flap osteomyelitis.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate
D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D013669:Technetium Tc 99m Medronate