FDG-PET/CT Imaging of Infected Bones and Prosthetic Joints

The clinical utility of 18F-Flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in patients with suspected infections in the bone or prosthetic joints has considerable potential from initial diagnosis as well as therapy response monitoring viewpoint, but the literature is still limited. Combined PET/CT is clearly superior to PET alone and should be employed on a regular basis for better accuracy of the diagnosis; but data are even more limited on the use of hybrid modalities. This communication present an overview of the available literature on FDGPET/ CT in osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, diabetic foot infection, and assessment of painful hip or knee prosthesis.