Non-diving bone infarct of lower extremities: a study of the images

Objective: To investigate the etiology of non-diving bone infarct of lower extremities in the senile patients and the imaging findings. Methods: In total 17 patients with lower extremity pain received routine radiography in the frontal and lateral projection. Additionally, CT scan was performed in 3 patients and MRI in 2. Results: Lesions were located bilaterally in 6 cases, unilaterally in 11 cases. Totally 36 sites were revealed: in a descending sequence of the frequency of involvement there were lower femur (16 lesions), proximal tibia (13 lesions) and lower tibia (5 lesions), and calcaneus (2 lesions). Typical imaging manifestations were revealed. Laboratory tests showed high concentration of total cholesterol and TG in serum. Conclusion: The etiology of the non-diving bone infarct in the senile patients remains unclear. Radiography and MRI are the choices of imaging, which will reveal the extension of the lesion and confirm the diagnosis. (authors)