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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2021; 25(01): 167-175
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723004
Review Article

Updates and Advances: Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection Imaging Made Easier for Radiologists and Clinicians

Michael S. Furman
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Ricardo Restrepo
2   Interventional Pediatric Radiology and Body Imaging, Division of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida
,
Supika Kritsaneepaiboon
3   Section of Pediatric Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
,
Bernard F. Laya
4   Institute of Radiology, Section of Pediatric Radiology, St. Luke's Medical Center-Quezon City, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial, Quezon City, Philippines
,
Domen Plut
5   Division of Pediatric Radiology, Clinical Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
,
Edward Y. Lee
6   Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract

Infants and children often present with a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) infections in daily clinical practice. This can vary from relatively benign superficial infections such as cellulitis to destructive osseous and articular infections and life-threatening deep soft tissue processes such as necrotizing fasciitis. Imaging evaluation plays an essential role for initial detection and follow-up evaluation of pediatric MSK infections. Therefore, a clear and up-to-date knowledge of imaging manifestations in MSK infections in infants and children is imperative for timely and accurate diagnosis that, in turn, can result in optimal patient management. This article reviews an up-to-date practical imaging techniques, the differences between pediatric and adult MSK infections, the spectrum of pediatric MSK infections, and mimics of pediatric MSK infections encountered in daily clinical practice by radiologists and clinicians.

Keywords

musculoskeletal - infection - pediatric - magnetic resonance imaging - ultrasound


Publication History

Article published online:
21 May 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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