Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is the most effective method for diagnosing osteomyelitis?

1. X-ray imaging

2. Ultrasound examination

3. MRI

4. CT scan

The correct answer is: MRI

MRI is considered the most effective method for diagnosing osteomyelitis due to its ability to provide detailed images of both bone and soft tissue. It offers high sensitivity in identifying early changes in bone marrow and can detect the presence of infection before it becomes visible on X-rays. MRI can also assess the extent of the infection and any associated complications, such as abscess formation or soft tissue involvement. Other imaging modalities, while useful, have limitations. X-ray imaging is often the first step but may only reveal osteomyelitis in later stages when bone destruction has occurred. Ultrasound examination can be useful for assessing soft tissue structures but has limited utility for directly visualizing the bone itself. CT scans can provide good detail on bony architecture and may help identify associated findings, but they are generally less sensitive than MRI for detecting early signs of osteomyelitis.