ABSTRACT
Of all the available imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best
test for evaluation of possible osteomyelitis because of its high sensitivity for
bone marrow abnormalities, soft tissue contrast, and depiction of anatomic detail.
In this article we review the literature on MRI of pedal osteomyelitis, focusing on
how radiologists can be most helpful to the orthopaedic surgeon if they review the
pretest probability of disease, examine for secondary signs as well as primary signs
of osteomyelitis, and grade their degree of suspicion when reporting these cases.
KEYWORDS
Osteomyelitis - MRI - diabetes - foot
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Patrick T LiuM.D.
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona
13400 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259