Image-guided intervention for targeted management of musculoskeletal infections: A case series

Musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs), including osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and soft-tissue infections, can present with non-specific symptoms and overlapping imaging features posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. While imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) are useful for identifying infection, they often cannot determine the specific pathogen or distinguish infection from malignancy. Image-guided biopsy/aspiration allows for accurate, minimally invasive sampling of bone and soft-tissue lesions, leading to definitive microbiological and histopathological diagnosis. This procedure is particularly valuable in cases with non-specific clinical or imaging findings, atypical infections, or when empiric treatment has failed. The use of imaging modalities such as CT, US, and C-arm enhances the precision and safety of interventions. In this case series, we present a spectrum of MSKIs managed through image-guided interventions. The series highlights the clinical utility and how the outcomes of these procedures changed the perspective and management protocols of these cases.