Radiology:
- X-ray should be first radiological investigation for a suspected case of osteomyelitis even though is it insensitive test for acute osteomyelitis. However, X-ray finding will be positive in the majority of patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Common finding includes osteopenia, periostitis and Brodie abscess.
- Contrast enhanced MRI is the most sensitive and specific radiological investigation for both acute and chronic osteomyelitis.
- Tracer scan with Tc99 or Gallium 67 citrate has high sensitivity for the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis in non traumatized bone.
- F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be used if MRI is contraindicated as it has high diagnostic accuracy.