Bone scan with 99^mTc EHDP. In assessing inflammatory activity in chronic quiescent osteomyelitis

The purpose of the following investigation was to determine whether bone scan with 99(m)Tc diphosphonate ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP), can be useful in assessing the presence of inflammatory activity in patients with chronic quiescent osteomyelitis. The results of this study suggest that in patients with a previous history of chronic osteomyelitis the finding of a normal bone scan may indicate recovery from the disease process, whereas a positive finding provides evidence for the presence of active chronic osteomyelitis with the possibility of future flare-up. This study has demonstrated that the 99(m)Tc-EHDP bone scan is more reliable indicator of active chronic osteomyelitis than is the routine roentgenological examination. The findings also suggest that patients known to have had chronic osteomyelitis who have a positive bone scan should remain under strict supervision and be given continued treatment.