Lower extremity infections: Essential anatomy and multimodality imaging findings
George R. Matcuk, Matt Skalski, Dakshesh B. Patel, Brandon K.K. Fields, Leah Waldman, Paolo Spinnato, Ali Gholamrezanezhad, Sanaz Katal
Abstract
In modern practice, imaging plays an integral role in the diagnosis, evaluation of extent, and treatment planning for lower extremity infections. This review will illustrate the relevant compartment anatomy of the lower extremities and highlight the role of plain radiographs, CT, US, MRI, and nuclear medicine in the diagnostic workup. The imaging features of cellulitis, abscess and phlegmon, necrotizing soft tissue infection, pyomyositis, infectious tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis are reviewed. Differentiating features from noninfectious causes of swelling and edema are discussed.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePhlegmonOsteomyelitisCellulitisTenosynovitisSeptic arthritisOrthopedic surgeryAbscessPyomyositisSoft tissueRadiologyTendinitisMedical imagingArthritisSurgeryTendonImmunologyStreptococcal Infections and TreatmentsInfectious Diseases and TuberculosisOrthopedic Infections and Treatments