From the Research
For chronic non-diabetic osteomyelitis, follow-up imaging should typically be performed every 3-6 months during active treatment, and then annually for at least 1-2 years after clinical resolution, with whole-body MRI being the preferred imaging modality due to its superior soft tissue contrast and ability to detect bone marrow edema without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The goal of follow-up imaging is to assess treatment efficacy, guide decisions on continuing or modifying therapy, and ensure complete resolution of the infection.
- Chronic osteomyelitis can be difficult to eradicate, and imaging plays a crucial role in confirming healing and detecting any residual or recurrent disease that may not be clinically apparent.
- The timeline for follow-up imaging may be adjusted based on clinical response, with more frequent imaging if symptoms persist or worsen, and less frequent if there's clear improvement.
Imaging Modalities
- MRI is favored due to its superior soft tissue contrast and ability to detect bone marrow edema, without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.
- In cases where MRI is contraindicated, CT or nuclear medicine studies like bone scans may be considered as alternatives.
Clinical Context
- The diagnosis of chronic non-diabetic osteomyelitis is often delayed, and imaging plays a key role in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and therapy monitoring, as highlighted in the study 1.
- Recent studies suggest a higher incidence of the disease, and knowledge of the disease entity and its characteristics can significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, as noted in the study 1.