ABSTRACT

Early and accurate diagnosis of diabetic foot infections is crucial to reduce the potential morbidity and mortality risks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is the most useful imaging method for detecting osseous and soft tissue infection and its extension. On MRI, bone marrow signal abnormalities adjacent to an ulcer or a sinus tract may be a primary sign of osteomyelitis. However, the presence of neuropathic osteoarthropathy and superimposed infection may lead to confusion. The aim of this paper is to further comment on the diagnosis of the diabetic foot osteomyelitis, its differentiation from neuropathic osteoarthropathy and the evaluation of neuropathic osteoarthropathy with superimposed osteomyelitis.