Infection

MRI and nuclear scans including PET are able to detect early signs of osteomyelitis. MRI will also show the extent and possible affection within the spinal canal and outside the vertebrae. Especially with nuclear scans, there are problems with specificity because other conditions can mimic similar changes. CT can show early reactive bony changes and absorptions. Ordinary X-ray will usually not show any changes during the first 2 weeks.