We investigated the validity of probe-to-bone testing in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in a selected subgroup of patients clinically suspected of having diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, inpatients and outpatients with a diabetic foot ulcer were prospectively evaluated, and those having a clinical diagnosis of foot infection and at least one of the osteomyelitis clinical suspicion criteria were consecutively included in this study. Sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and were prospectively enrolled in the study. Forty-nine patients (75.4%) were hospitalized, and the remaining 16 (24.6%) were followed as outpatients. Osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 39 patients (60.0%). Probe-to-bone test results were positive in 30 patients (46.1%). The positive predictive value for the probe-to-bone test was fairly high (87%), but the negative predictive value was only 62%. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 66% and 84%, respectively. White blood cell counts and mean C-reactive protein levels did not statistically significantly differ between groups. However, erythrocyte sedimentation rates greater than 70 mm/h reached statistical significance between groups. Wound area and depth were not found to be statistically significantly different between groups. Positive probe-to-bone test results and erythrocyte sedimentation rates greater than 70 mm/h provide some support for the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis, but it is not strong; magnetic resonance imaging or bone biopsy will probably be required in cases of doubt.
We investigated the validity of probe - to - bone testing in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in a selected subgroup of patients clinically suspected of having diabetic foot osteomyelitis . Between January 1 , 2007 , and December 31 , 2008 , inpatients and outpatients with a diabetic foot ulcer were prospectively evaluated , and those having a clinical diagnosis of foot infection and at least one of the osteomyelitis clinical suspicion criteria were consecutively included in this study . Sixty - five patients met the inclusion criteria and were prospectively enrolled in the study . Forty - nine patients ( 75.4 % ) were hospitalized , and the remaining 16 ( 24.6 % ) were followed as outpatients . Osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 39 patients ( 60.0 % ) . Probe - to - bone test results were positive in 30 patients ( 46.1 % ) . The positive predictive value for the probe - to - bone test was fairly high ( 87 % ) , but the negative predictive value was only 62 % . The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 66 % and 84 % , respectively . White blood cell counts and mean C - reactive protein levels did not statistically significantly differ between groups . However , erythrocyte sedimentation rates greater than 70 mm / h reached statistical significance between groups . Wound area and depth were not found to be statistically significantly different between groups . Positive probe - to - bone test results and erythrocyte sedimentation rates greater than 70 mm / h provide some support for the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis , but it is not strong ; magnetic resonance imaging or bone biopsy will probably be required in cases of doubt .
Which disease can be diagnosed with the "probe to bone" test?
Which disease can be diagnosed with the " probe to bone " test ?
diabetic foot osteomyelitis
diabetic foot osteomyelitis