Osteomyelitis in diabetic foot

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Diabetic foot.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male
  • extensive bone marrow signal changes (T1 hypointense, STIR, and PD hyperintense) involving the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal head and neck and proximal phalanx base and shaft compatible with osteomyelitis

  • medially dislocation of the second toe at the level of the MTP joint

  • moderate joint effusion at the 3rd metatarsophalangeal joint

  • sinus tract starts from the level of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsophalangeal joint into the skin in the plantar aspect

  • amputation of great toe and distal half of first metatarsal

  • abnormal bone marrow signal (iso on T1 and high on STIR/PD fs) at the first metatarsal mid to proximal diaphysis and medial cuneiform bone due to osteitis

  • extensive edema and fluid signal intensity in intrinsic muscles and subcutaneous tissues of the forefoot and midfoot

Case Discussion

Diabetes mellitus can involve the foot through two mechanisms:

The first one is osteomyelitis which mainly affects the pressure points in the forefoot and hindfoot.

The second one is a neuropathic joint which affects the intertarsal joints causing joint destruction, disorganization, and dislocation.

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