Imaging of Musculoskeletal Infection.

Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) infection and determining the severity and extent of disease. The clinical diagnosis may be challenging due to the nonspecific presentation of pain and swelling. There are certain features that are pathognomonic for infection. Pre-existing conditions an make diagnosing infection difficult. Prior surgery can create artifacts on advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography and MRI, obscuring the tissues immediately around the hardware. Recent technological advances have improved physicians' ability to diagnose MSK infection with greater sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.