What differential diagnoses may simulate the appearance of acute osteomyelitis on radiographs?
Traumatic changes and postsurgical findings are the most common mimickers of osteomyelitis on radiographs. In particular, healing fractures result in periosteal reaction, and surgical defects can simulate the appearance of osteolysis. Comparison studies, and in particular, accurate and pertinent clinical history, can obviate some of these pitfalls.
