The Clinical Utility of MRI in Evaluating for Osteomyelitis in Patients Presenting with Uncomplicated Cellulitis.

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Devon A KleinGuillaume Stoffels

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis (OM) in patients presenting with cellulitis. Typically, cellulitis is treated with oral antibiotics; however, patients with concomitant OM may require long-term intravenous antibiotics or surgical intervention. We reviewed lower extremity MRIs in patients presenting with cellulitis and clinical concern for OM. We found 488 patient examinations spanning 5 years (2011 to 2016); 47 patients were excluded (final N = 441). Each MRI was interpreted by a radiologist to determine the rate of OM, abscess, ulceration, and imaging diagnosis of cellulitis. Concurrent assessment of the electronic medical record was performed to review patient demographics, the presence of abscess and/or ulceration, and comorbidities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia (HLD), atherosclerotic disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Of the 441 lower extremity MRIs included, 170 (39%) were diagnosed with OM, 236 (54%) had ulcers, and 66 (15%) had abscesses. Age, laterality, and reporting physician were not statistically significant independent variables in the rate of reported OM. Diabetes and HLD/atherosclerotic disease were both statistically significant variables with regard to OM rat...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cellulitis

Cellulitis (erysipelas) is a recurring and debilitating bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue. Discover the latest research on cellulitis here.

Related Papers

Diabetes Forecast
Tracey Neithercott
Fortune
Oliver Ryan
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Amelia B SybengaArundhati Rao
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Yoo Seob ShinChein-Soo Hong
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved