'Normal' technetium bone scans in patients with acute osteomyelitis.

Several investigators have stressed the usefulness of the technetium bone scan in the early diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Seven patients with acute osteomyelitis had initial bone scans that were reportedly normal. The diagnosis was made as a result of either an abnormal gallium scan, positive cultures, or changes in follow-up roentgenograms. The explanation for the normal technetium scans is conjectural but may be related to compromised vascularity. A normal scan does not rule out acute osteomyelitis. If this diagnosis is strongly suspected, other diagnostic tests should be used.