The Role of Bone Scan and Radiography in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Suspected Pedal Osteomyelitis

Authors:
  • MNMatilde Nino-Murcia
    Matilde Nino-Murcia
  • TJTom Jacobs
    Tom Jacobs
  • KCKaren Chang
    Karen Chang
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Abstract
The authors reviewed the three-phase bone scans and radiographs of 24 patients with suspected pedal osteomyelitis who also had histologic confirmation of the diagnosis. Twenty patients had a pedal ulcer, cellulitis, or necrosis. Sensitivity and specificity of bone scanning were 70% and 43% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of radiography were 70% and 50% respectively. The non-invasive diagnosis of pedal osteomyelitis remains problematic due to the poor specificity of bone scans and radiographs.