Imaging Approach to Musculoskeletal Infections

Abstract

As with other organs in the body, the musculoskeletal system is subject to infection. Although the most common infection in the United States is pyogenic osteomyelitis, virtually all types of infectious agents infect the musculoskeletal system, including viruses, pyogenic bacteria, mycobacteria, spirochetes, and fungi. Infection can cause both acute and chronic forms of disease, each with their own imaging characteristics. This chapter reviews the major forms of infection encountered in both the bones and the muscles, presenting the salient clinical and imaging features. Various modalities used to identify and follow infections are described. In addition, although not proven, Paget disease will be discussed in this chapter because of the mounting evidence that this represents a chronic viral infection of bone.