Acute Osteomyelitis: Clinical, Radiological and Laboratory Characteristics

Abstract

Osteomylitis is a painful and incapacitating disease which is frustrating for the patient and for the doctor treating it. Its symptoms are very similar to other types of infections. The definition, classification and etiology will be briefly explained in order to provide a better understanding about this infectious disease. Medical Imaging Procedures provide aditional information when the presence of the disease is suspected. There is not a certain technique that can confirm or exclude its existence, especially when implants or osteopathy have taken place. Any choice of method must be minutely assessed, keeping in mind its availability and what you expect from it. The invasive procedures should never be postponed, due to the importance they have when getting a diagnosis. The main objective is to look into different diagnoses, so the medical team can have the appropriate tools to determine the presence of the illness in a working area. Using the tools in an efficient way and taking advantage of the resources available, can provide preventive and early treatment in order to avoid short and long term complications.