Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Chronic osteomyelitis is defined as a long-standing infection of bone and marrow, characterized by persistence of microorganisms, presence of sequestrum, low-grade inflammation and fistulae [1]. Usually associated with open fractures or after a long period of infection through blood transmission It may present as a recurrent or intermittent disease. The symptoms and their duration may vary considerably, whereas periods of quiescence can also be of variable duration [2].

The imaging diagnostic of osteomyelitis can require the combination of diverse imaging techniques for an accurate diagnosis. CT demonstrates abnormal thickening of the affected cortical bone, with sclerotic changes, encroachment of the medullary cavity, and chronic draining sinus Figure 1. Although CT may show these changes earlier than do plain radiographs, CT is less desirable than MRI because of decreased soft tissue contrast as well as exposure to ionizing radiation [3].

Figure 1: CT images of the hip of a 5-year-old girl demonstrating a chronic osteomyelitis of the right femur
• (A) Axial CT sections show a sinus tract extending from the medullary cavity to the soft tissues representing a fistula (white arrow) with abscess and swelling of soft tissue (blue arrows). Note high-attenuation osseous fragments representing sequestra (arrow head).
• (B) coronal and (C) sagittal CT sections showing several lytic lesions with surrounding bone sclerosis (arrows), thickened cortex and periosteal reaction in keeping with involucrum (arrow head).

The « gold standard » for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis is the presence of positive bone cultures and histopathology examination of the bone [2].

The incidence of relapse remains high, making its management challenging for the treating physician [4]. Assumed ‘remission’ should only be claimed after at least 12 months of follow-up, while ‘cure’ of the disease cannot be safely declared [2].