'Normal' technetium bone scans in patients with acute osteomyelitis
I. D. Berkowitz and W. Wenzel
Several investigators have stressed the usefulness of the technetium bone
scan in the early diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Seven patients with
acute osteomyelitis had initial bone scans that were reportedly normal. The
diagnosis was made as a result of either an abnormal gallium scan, positive
cultures, or changes in follow-up roentgenograms. The explanation for the
normal technetium scans is conjectural but may be related to compromised
vascularity. A normal scan does not rule out acute osteomyelitis. If this
diagnosis is strongly suspected, other diagnostic tests should be used.
