Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Spinal Infection

Spinal infection can be challenging to diagnose accurately, as symptoms can be insidious and nonspecific. Advanced radiological imaging procedures can be very useful to aid diagnosis. Nuclear medicine imaging can provide significant information, in addition to more conventional imaging techniques such as radiography and MRI. Nuclear medicine imaging (SPECT and PET) have shown high sensitivity and accuracy with regard to spinal infection diagnosis, especially when used in combination with conventional radiological investigations such as CT and MRI. By providing additional functional information, nuclear medicine imaging helps to identify possible sites for biopsy, monitor treatment responses, and guide the duration of antimicrobial treatment. Expert consensus guidelines have been published, addressing the use and implementation of nuclear medicine imaging techniques in spinal infection.