In Vivo Molecular Imaging of Musculoskeletal Inflammation and Infection.

In vivo molecular imaging detects biologic processes at molecular level and provides diagnostic information at an earlier time point during disease onset or repair. It offers definite advantage over anatomic imaging in terms of improved sensitivity and ability to quantify. Radionuclide molecular imaging has been widely used in clinical practice. This article discusses the role of radionuclide imaging in various infective and inflammatory diseases affecting musculoskeletal system with a focus on PET. It appears that, as more data become available, combined PET/MR imaging could emerge as a front runner in the imaging of musculoskeletal infection and inflammation.