Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is infection of bone, which can become serious if not recognized and treated properly.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if pain, fever, swelling, or a wound is worsening, especially in children, people with diabetes, or anyone who is becoming systemically unwell.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include bone pain, swelling, warmth, fever, difficulty using the affected limb, or a wound that is not healing well.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when bone infection is suspected, when doctors need to know how far it has spread, or when they are checking for abscess, joint involvement, or chronic change.
What radiology does
X-rays may be normal early on, while MRI is often more sensitive for showing bone infection and surrounding soft tissue involvement.
What usually happens next
Treatment usually includes antibiotics and sometimes surgery depending on severity, chronicity, and response.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Ankle and Foot MRIAn Ankle and Foot MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the complex network of bones, ligaments, and tendons that support your body weight. It is highly effective for investigating persistent pain after a sprain, chronic heel pain, or hidden stress fractures.
- Bone BiopsyA bone biopsy uses imaging guidance to sample a bone lesion for pathology or microbiology; targeting improves precision but cannot guarantee a diagnostic result.
- FistulogramA fistulogram is a specialized X-ray scan used to examine an abnormal tunnel or tract (fistula) in your body. By injecting a liquid dye (contrast) into the tract, the scan helps your doctor map its path and plan treatment.