Urgent Investigation in Acute Limb Pain
Diagnostic tests are determined by the likely pathology (see below). Additional tests needed may include:
| |
| Suspected site of disease | Diagnostic tests to consider |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissues | Microscopy and culture of samples from areas of ulceration Plain radiography if suspected gas in tissue or underlying fracture, osteomyelitis or foreign body Ultrasonography, CT or MRI if suspected necrotizing fasciitis |
| Arteries | Duplex scan Angiography (CT or direct) |
| Veins | Duplex scan Plasma D-dimer |
| Nerves | Nerve conduction studies MRI of spine |
| Muscles | Ultrasonography MRI Plasma creatine kinase |
| Joints | Plain radiography (in anteroposterior and lateral views) Joint aspiration if effusion present CT or MRI if suspected fracture not revealed by plain radiographs |
| Bones | Plain radiography (in anteroposterior and lateral views) CT or MRI if suspected pathology not revealed by plain radiographs |
CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.