Emergency Radiology

, Volume 16, Issue 4, pp 267–276 | Cite as

MR imaging of urgent inflammatory and infectious conditions affecting the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system

Review Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Soft tissue infections and inflammatory conditions of the musculoskeletal system are a group of disorders commonly seen by emergency room physicians and radiologists. Many of these entities can either be limb- or life-threatening. Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the best imaging modality to evaluate these conditions. In this review, the characteristic imaging findings of cellulitis, abscess formation, necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis, diabetic ischemic infarction, acute and exertional compartment syndromes, and rhabdomyolysis will be emphasized as well as imaging factors that can help to differentiate these disorders.

Keywords

MR imaging Infection Musculoskeletal system Inflammation Muscles 
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Copyright information

© Am Soc Emergency Radiol 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUSA

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