CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A diabetic foot may be associated with which bony pathology?

1. Bacterial osteomyelitis

2. Fractures of the foot

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Paget’s disease

The correct answer is: Bacterial osteomyelitis

A diabetic foot can lead to various complications, one of which is bacterial osteomyelitis. This condition arises due to the combination of poor circulation, neuropathy, and skin breakdown commonly associated with diabetes, which makes the foot susceptible to infections. When ulcers develop on the foot, bacteria can enter the tissue and, if left untreated, can penetrate deep into the bone, resulting in osteomyelitis. It's important to note that while fractures may occur in diabetic patients, they are not as directly linked to the diabetic foot as osteomyelitis is. Fractures are more often associated with trauma or abnormal bone strength rather than directly stemming from the effects of diabetes. Rheumatoid arthritis and Paget's disease are systemic conditions that do not specifically correlate with the chronic complications of a diabetic foot, making them less relevant in this context. Thus, the association of diabetic foot with bacterial osteomyelitis is significant, as it highlights a serious complication arising from diabetes-related foot problems.