Table 3 Sensitivity and specificity of conventional radiographs reported by other authors and in the current series

Al-Sheikh (1985) [17]

Chronic orthopedic, with and without implants

10 / 12

60% (28–86%)

76% (36–89%)

Tumeh, (1987) [18]

Chronic osteomyelitis after fracture, infection or surgery (excl. Joint prosthesis)

35 / 69

37% (21–55%)

84% (73–92%)

Whalen (1991) [19]

Spinal

9 / 2

78% (40–96%)

100% (16–100%)

Malcius (2009) [20]

Acute hematogenic, pediatric

156 / 27

16% (10–23%) (early)

96% (78–100%) (early)

Current series

Internal fixation devices

116 / 305

RL^a: 16% (10–24%)

RL^a: 91% (87–94%)

PR^a: 12% (7–19%)

PR^a: 95% (92–97%)