Bloomfield, NJ
A 36-year-old female asked:
I am recently diagnosis with acute osteomyelitis accrdg to bone biopsy result but no bacteria found, mri and indium scan was done may but negative?
3 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Atif Haqueanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 19 years experience
nondiagnostic biopsy: Some cases of osteomyelitis do not have causative bacteria isolated. This can be due sometimes to timing of antibiotics prior to getting a good biopsy. However, with the negative studies you mention, active osteomyelitis would probably be less likely. I would discuss with an infectious disease specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gerald Mandellanswered
Nuclear Medicine 53 years experience
Suprising: Sometimes organisms are not localized in osteomyelitis because of partial treatment with antibiotics.Another reason is osteomyelitis is actually subacute and not actually acute.Patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis(CRMO)can get osteomyelitis in multiple sites with no bacteria that is autoimmune process.Surprising that MRI is normal. Indium is usually positive with no bacteria
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Darrell Latvaanswered
Podiatry 43 years experience
MY PROTOCOL: I personally do x-ray, if negative MRI, if negative, Ceretec scan. May consider repeat bone biopsy/culture, being off antibiotics at the time. If everything remains negative, consider other things besides osteo.
Dr. Latva
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.