Radionuclide imaging. Use in diagnosis of osteomyelitis in children
M. J. Gelfand and E. B. Silberstein
Forty-four children were studied for the presence of osteomyelitis by
scintigraphy using Tc 99m etidronate tin complex. Evidence of osteomyelitis
on radionuclide images was found in 16 of 19 patients considered to have
osteomyelitis by their attending physicians. Bone scintigraphic changes
were noted prior to or in the absence of roentgenographic abnormalities in
10 of 19 patients. Cases of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, chronic
osteomyelitis, and osteomyelitis caused by penetrating trauma and
contiguous infection were identified. Three bone infarctions were correctly
diagnosed.
