Imaging of Osteomyelitis of the Extremities

Osteomyelitis is defined as inflammation of bone, which is typically infectious in etiology. Bacteria can seed bone directly from an adjacent ulcer, through direct inoculation by penetrating trauma, or by hematogenous spread of infection from another source.1 Direct spread usually infects bone with multiple organisms. Staphylococcus aureus is most commonly isolated from hematogenous infections of bone.2 The infecting agent triggers an inflammatory response consisting of bony hyperemia, edema, and neutrophilic infiltration.
Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research