Role of ultrasound in acute osteomyelitis

Early diagnosis in an important issue in the management of acute osteomyelitis. Ultrasound (US) is yet to find a definite place in the work up of early acute osteomyelitis. Objectives: To define the role of US in the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis and to compare with the plain radiographs. Design and methodology: A prospective study was done by selecting 25 cases of acute osteomyelitis from a set of 120 patients presenting with a clinical features of acute osteomyelitis based on sonographic demonstration of periosseous fluid. The patients were divided into three groups based on the duration of presentation. Results: Periosteal elevation/periosseous fluid and soft tissue swelling were seen in all cases. All cases were proved to have osteomyelitis except one (positive predictive value=96%). Conclusion: The main advantage of US was its ability to diagnose acute osteomyelitis in the critical period of first 3 days.