A 59-year-old with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a plantar ulcer probing to bone. Best diagnostic step to confirm osteomyelitis?...

Question

A 59-year-old with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a plantar ulcer probing to bone. Best diagnostic step to confirm osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the foot

Answer

Bone scan first-line

Answer

Plain x-ray only

Answer

No imaging; treat cellulitis

Answer

Probe-to-bone test alone is definitive

us-abim MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Foot-Osteomyelitis Diagnosis