Suitability of imaging techniques in the diagnostics of ostitis in children – own experiences

INTRODUCTION. Osteomyelitis is most often a result of hematogenic infection. Any bone can be involved. In children it affects epiphyses, joints, shafts of long bones or it develops as a multifocal process. Clinical signs of osteomyelitis are not specific: pain, impaired mobility, swelling, hyperaemia/rubor. MATERIAL AND METHODS. In X-ray imaging of the bones the destruction and reactive periosteum are visible 7-21 days later than the symptoms. Into the study 24 children were included, the extension of lesions was analized and comparison of the CT vs. MRI scans in few cases were performed. RESULTS. Both MRI and CT techniques allow for a better, more exact imaging of the inflammation and reactive changes in the surrounding tissues. CONCLUSION. In all children the inflammation was histologically confirmed.