Osteomyelitis, Subacute

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Not applicable

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
The less acute forms of osteomyelitis have a different appearance than acute osteomyelitis. The area of bone lysis is usually localized and surrounded by more or less well defined margins. Brodie's abscess is the classic lesion which is a well defined osteolytic metaphyseal lesion that may extend through the physis into the epiphysis. The presence or absence of sclerosis depends on the chronicity of infection. There can be cortical extension with periosteal reaction that may be thick.

DDX:

• Osteosarcoma
• Ewings sarcoma
• Stress fracture

References:
See References Chapter.

Section Top | Title Page

See related Provider Topics Bone Diseases or Bones, Joints and Muscles.

See related Patient Topics Bone Diseases or Bones, Joints and Muscles.

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