Optimizing Surgical Planning Using 18F-FDG PET–CT in Appendicular Chronic Osteomyelitis: Insights from 84 Patient Scans and Clinical Outcomes
摘要
The surgical management of chronic osteomyelitis is essential. Determining the extent of the infection can be challenging. This study investigates the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT as a preoperative planning tool to guide adequate surgical debridement and improve clinical outcomes.
Patients and MethodsThis is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data that was conducted on 84 patients (66 males, 18 females; mean age 32 ± 14.9 years, range 7–73) with confirmed appendicular chronic osteomyelitis treated between 2019 and 2024. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and surgical Geographic adequate debridement based on PET/CT findings. Follow-up was maintained for a minimum of 1 year (mean 27.9 ± 10.2 months; range 12–60 months), monitoring for infection recurrence.
ResultsHalf the patients presented with infected united or hematogenous osteomyelitis; the other half with infected non-union. The femur and tibia were the most frequently affected sites. Postoperative infections following closed fractures internal fixation (44%), open fractures (37%), and hematogenous (19%). PET/CT scans identified clear resection margins in all cases, soft tissue collections in 23.8%, and sequestrum in 67.9%. According to the Cierny–Mader classification, 40% were diffuse (Type IV), 40% localized (Type III), 18% intramedullary (Type I), and 2% superficial (Type II). The mean SUVmax was 6.69 ± 3.63 at the infection site and 1.45 ± 0.81 at the contralateral limb. Microbiological cultures revealed no growth in 17.9% of cases; among the 82.1% positive cultures, 56% were gram-positive (predominantly MRSA), 34% gram-negative (mainly Klebsiella), and 10% polymicrobial. Various reconstruction techniques were utilized post-debridement. Only three patients (3.6%) experienced infection recurrence within the first year.
ConclusionsIntegrating PET/CT into the surgical planning for chronic osteomyelitis may enhance outcomes and reduce recurrence. PET/CT offers clear margins, delineates soft tissue collections and sequestrum, and is not affected by metalwork. Among the 84 patients studied, the success rate reached 96.4% at a mean 27.9 month follow-up.