[Detection of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis by nuclear magnetic resonance tomography in children].

Suspected osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, respectively, is usually proven by means of clinical symptoms, laboratory data and microbiologic findings of blood cultures and joint fluids. In the early phase of the diseases conventional X-rays are not helpful. Imaging with isotopes is the most important procedure to describe localisation and extension of the inflammatory processes. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging as a newer method is capable to detect these inflammatory processes very early, precisely and without discomfort for the patient. In four children with osteomyelitis and in one infant with septic arthritis, respectively, we were able to confirm the clinical diagnosis in a very early phase of the disease. In the patient with septic arthritis nuclear magnetic resonance was the only imaging procedure successfully localising the inflammatory process. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging localises precisely inflammatory bone and joint diseases during the early stage of the disease.