Skeletal scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis.

Bone scans detect osteomyelitis earlier, sometimes several days earlier, than x-rays. Prompt institution of therapy, before significant bone damage has developed, thus becomes possible. A positive scintigram is, however, nonspecific, and firm diagnosis requires radiologic and other confirmation. Moreover, because the technique is so new, many open questions remain both about its optimal utilization and about its potential.