Multispiral CT-semiotics of chronic osteomyelitis of the bones forming the ankle joint

Aim: To study multispiral CT semiotics of chronic osteomyelitis of the bones forming the ankle joint. Methods: Radiography and computed tomography of the ankle joint was performed in 29 patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the distal tibia using GE LightSpeed VCT, Toshiba Aquilion-64 system. Results: The signs of chronic osteomyelitis in the distal tibia were the following: the lowed bone density, disturbed bone structure, marked periosteal reaction, osteomyelitic cavities, sclerotic and resorption areas, and spread of inflammation to the ankle joint. Defect of the tibia and the talus, ankylosis of the joint, false joint were observed in the most severe cases (n=5). In the rest of the cases talus and calcaneus were osteoporotic with changed structure, which varied from small harsh trabecular zones at the calcaneal tuberosity to the complete absence of typical architectonics (arcades) secondary to evident anatomical changes in the talus and calcaneus. Three patients had concrescence of the talus and calcaneus. Conclusions: The findings showed multifocal and evident radiological changes of the distal tibia in chronic osteomyelitis cases that necessitated a thorough evaluation with multispiral CT to substantiate a choice of treatment technique.