title: Diabetic osteoarthropathy versus diabetic osteomyelitis.
abstract: The differentiation between diabetic osteoarthropathy and osteomyelitis is a very difficult one to make, even in the presence of a pedal ulceration. However, considering present medical costs, the incorrect diagnosis of osteomyelitis can be a costly one, not only for the hospital, but also for the patient. In light of a normal white blood cell count, a benign 67Ga-citrate scan, and two noncontiguous areas of bone destruction, the diagnosis of diabetic osteoarthropathy can be made without the necessity of a bone biopsy.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging