From the Research
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for detecting osteomyelitis of the jaw, providing superb anatomic detail and accurate information on the extent of the infectious process and soft tissues involved. When investigating osteomyelitis of the jaw, it is essential to consider the strengths and limitations of various imaging modalities.
- Conventional radiography should always be the first imaging modality to start with, as it provides an overview of the anatomy and the pathologic conditions of the bone and soft tissues of the region of interest 1.
- However, plain radiographs have limited utility as they require significant bone demineralization before changes become visible, making them inadequate for early diagnosis.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan can be a useful method to detect early osseous erosion and to document the presence of sequestrum, foreign body, or gas formation, but it is generally less sensitive than other modalities for the detection of bone infection 1, 2.
- MRI provides more accurate information on the local extent of the soft tissues and possible soft tissue abscess in patients with musculoskeletal infection, making it an excellent choice for evaluating osteomyelitis of the jaw 1, 2, 3.
- Nuclear medicine imaging is particularly useful in identifying multifocal osseous involvement, which can be common in certain cases of osteomyelitis 1, 4.
- The choice of imaging modality may depend on the specific clinical context and the availability of resources, but MRI is generally the preferred modality for detecting osteomyelitis of the jaw due to its high sensitivity and specificity.