title: MR Imaging of the Diabetic Foot.
abstract: Abnormalities of the peripheral nervous, vascular, and immune systems contribute to the development of numerous foot and ankle pathologies in the diabetic population. Although radiographs remain the most practical first-line imaging tool, magnetic resonance (MR) is the tertiary imaging modality of choice, allowing for optimal assessment of bone and soft tissue abnormalities. MR allows for the accurate distinction between osteomyelitis/septic arthritis and neuropathic osteoarthropathy. Furthermore, it provides an excellent presurgical anatomic road map of involved tissues and devitalized skin to ensure successful limited amputations when required. Signal abnormality in the postoperative foot aids in the diagnosis of recurrent infection.
authors.affiliation: Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street, Suite 1096A, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Eoghan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.affiliation: Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street, Suite 1096A, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: William B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.affiliation: Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th Street, Suite 1096A, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address: Adam.zoga@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: Adam C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Zoga
mesh_terms: D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005528:Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
keywords: Abscess; Diabetic foot; MR imaging; Neuropathic osteoarthropathy; Osteomyelitis; Septic arthritis; Ulcer