Abstract：Objective: To compare radiography, CT and MR in the detection of clinical atypical pyogenic osteomyelitis. Methods: Twenty-six cases of atypical pyogenic osteomyelitis were imaged with radiography, CT and MRI. The imaging signs were analysed and diagnosed by double blind method compared with the pathologic findings. Results: Of the 26 cases, there were 8 cases with acute osteomyelitis, 12 cases with chronic osteomyelitis and 3 cases with Brodie’s abscess and chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, respectively. Radiography, CT and MR made a correct diagnosis in 20 cases, 3 cases were misdiagnosed as malignant bone tumors, and other 3 cases as benign bone tumors and tumor like lesions. Conclusion: It is very helpful to diagnose and differentiate atypical pyogenic osteomyelitis by analyzing X-ray, CT and MR features, understanding pathologic features and development tendency of the lesion.
2008, Vol. 19 
