A 55-year-old man with long-standing type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a plantar foot ulcer over the first metatarsal head that ...

Question

A 55-year-old man with long-standing type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a plantar foot ulcer over the first metatarsal head that probes to bone. X-ray shows cortical irregularity of the underlying metatarsal. Which imaging modality is most sensitive for confirming osteomyelitis and planning management?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the foot

Answer

Plain radiography of the foot

Answer

CT scan of the foot

Answer

Bone scan only

Answer

Ultrasound of the foot

au-racp MCQ (SBA): Diabetic foot osteomyelitis