Observations on the sequential use of 99mTc-phosphate complex and 67Ga imaging in osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and septic arthritis.

Sequential studies with 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) and 67Ga were performed in 40 patients to determine the role of each agent in evaluating osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and spetic arthritis. Apart from the value of 67Ga in distinguishing cellulitis from osteomyelitis, it is a good adjuvant to 99mTc-MDP imaging in chronic osteomyelitis to identify continuing or recurrent sepsis and localize the focus of infection more precisely.