Osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcers. Prompt diagnosis can avert amputation.

Osteomyelitis is a prevalent sequela of diabetic foot ulcers. The timing of its diagnosis and treatment is crucial if the diabetic patient is to avoid amputation later. However, detection of this condition can be difficult in the primary care setting. Information gained by physical examination and sequential imaging methods is central to identification of osteomyelitis in its beginning stages. Here, Drs Schinabeck and Johnson review the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings critical to making an early diagnosis of osteomyelitis.