Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is helpful in the identification of specific bone lesions in the feet of diabetic patients, according to a study of radiographic and MRI foot analysis of 90 feet in 85 diabetic patients to evaluate prevalence of bone marrow changes. Seventeen feet exhibited vascular changes, and of this number 11 presented with infarct and six with necrosis. Researchers also determined that 20 feet had traumatic changes and half of these had edema that was visible on MRI. The researchers observed in five patients occult fractures with a visible fracture line via MRI, while an additional five patients exhibited visible fractures on both MRI and x-ray. Bone destruction was identified in eight feet, with bony debris visible on x-rays in three feet. Also, 11 patients exhibited bone dislocation and displacement, with the navicular bone dislocated most often. Twenty-four feet presented with osteochondral lesions, with the talus the most frequent area of occurrence, and 10 feet presented with osteomyelitis. The study was published in the European Journal of Radiology.
From the article of the same title
News-Medical (07/25/12) Grasmo, Ingrid