Computed tomography in bone and joint infections.

Fourteen patients with proven septic arthritis, osteomyelitis or spondylitis were studied retrospectively by both computed tomography (CT) and conventional examinations. CT was performed only when specific problems of diagnosis were unsolved after plain films, standard tomograms or isotope bone scans. In these selected cases, CT was of definite value for: the study of the entire articular surface of bone and periarticular soft tissues; the delineation of extent of medullary and soft-tissue involvement; the demonstration of cavities, serpiginous tracts, sequestra or cloacae in osteomyelitis. It sometimes showed soft-tissue edema or bone destruction not seen on plain films.