Diagnosis of osteomyelitis in children by combined blood pool and bone imaging

Differentiation of osteomyelitis from cellulitis or septic arthritis can be difficult. The radiological examination often does not have the characteristic features. Seventy of 71 children with osteomyelitis had focal areas of increased radioactivity demonstrated by /sup 99m/Tc methylene diphosphonate bone scans at the site of the infection. The addition of blood pool images aids in the interpretation of the study as they permit evaluation of the effect of hyperemia. The 13 children with cellulitis had diffuse increase in radioactivity involving both the bones and soft tissues. Bone imaging as the initial screening procedure for osteomyelitis is recommended. (auth)