Are radiographic studies helpful in septic arthritis?
Other radiographic tests are especially helpful in visualizing joints that are deep or difficult to palpate (i.e., hip, sacroiliac, and sternoclavicular joints).
They are also helpful early on in a septic process, when plain films do not yet demonstrate any abnormalities.
| Specialized radiographic studies in septic arthritis | |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Utility |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast | Highest sensitivity for synovial enhancement, joint effusion, abscess, and myositis as well as osteomyelitis. |
| Computed tomography (CT) scan | Visualizes bony changes, such as erosions earlier than plain films. |
| Especially helpful in sacroiliac and sternoclavicular joints. |
