The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Osteomyelitis includes:
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Patient history, physical examination, and blood tests help to confirm osteomyelitis:
❑ White blood cell count shows leukocytosis.
❑ Erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein is usually elevated but nonspecific in acute cases.
❑ Cultures of the lesion indicate the source of the organism. Blood cultures help identify causative organism.
❑ Magnetic resonance imaging is best for detecting spinal infection.
❑ Computed tomography is best for visualizing islands of dead bone.
X-rays may not show bone involvement until the disease has been active for some time, usually 2 to 3 weeks. Bone scans can detect early infection. Diagnosis must rule out poliomyelitis, rheumatic fever, myositis, and bone fractures. The gold standard for diagnosing osteomyelitis is histopathologic and microscopic examination of bone.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Patient history and physical examination reveal bone tenderness, swelling, and redness. The following laboratory tests help to confirm osteomyelitis:
❑ bone scan (indicates infected bone)
❑ bone lesion biopsy or culture (may reveal the causative organism)
❑ white blood cell count (shows leukocytosis)
❑ erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) (elevated; however, CRP appears to be a better diagnostic tool)
❑ blood cultures (identify the causative organism).
X-rays don’t show bone involvement and alterations. Diagnosis must rule out poliomyelitis, rheumatic fever, myositis, and bone fractures.
CLINICAL TIP: A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to delineate the extent of infection. Needle aspiration also may be done during an MRI.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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