Sonography of acute osteomyelitis in rabbits with pathologic correlation.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Ultrasonography (US) has a potential role in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristic sonographic features of acute osteomyelitis and correlate them with pathologic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental model of acute osteomyelitis was produced in the tibiae of 20 rabbits. Daily US and plain radiography were performed for 2 weeks. The authors evaluated periosteal reaction, subperiosteal fluid collection, and soft-tissue changes seen with US. A hypoechoic band and a hyperechoic line lying along the cortex were considered positive signs of subperiosteal fluid collection and periosteal reaction, respectively. The findings of periosteal reaction were compared for US and radiography, and pathologic findings were also correlated.

RESULTS

The most common sonographic finding was a hypoechoic band along the cortex (21 [75%] of 28 tibiae), usually associated with a linear periosteal reaction (20 [71%] of 28). This juxtacortical abnormal echogenicity corresponded to periosteal elevation with loose fibrovascular connective tissue and granulation, associated with subperiosteal abscess formation. The periosteal reactions were detected with US before they were seen on radiographs. The periosteum showed gradual thickening during the disease process. In 50% of infected tibiae, inflammation or abscess formation was observed in the surrounding soft tissue.

CONCLUSION

US readily demonstrates juxtacortical abnormal echogenicity and soft-tissue infection related to acute osteomyelitis. The abnormal echogenicity correlated well with the pathologic findings of periosteal reaction and subperiosteal abscess.