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Osteomyelitis diabetic foot — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal/Orthopedic emergenciesOsteomyelitis diabetic footABEM Board

A 60-year-old man with diabetes arrives with a chronic plantar ulcer and new fever. Triage acuity is ESI 3; T 101.3 F, HR 106/min. Bone is palpable with a sterile probe, and ESR is elevated. Plain radiograph is equivocal. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — MRI of the foot

MRI is the most sensitive imaging test for suspected diabetic foot osteomyelitis when plain films are nondiagnostic.

Reference: IDSA diabetic foot infection guideline