Bone Radionuclide Scan Health Article

Definition

A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radionuclide is injected intravenously, and its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or conditions.

Purpose

Bone scans are performed to evaluate metastases, trauma, arthritis, metabolic diseases, bone marrow hyperplasia, and Paget's disease. Bone scans are most frequently ordered to investigate the cause of bone pain or to check whether a cancer originating in another organ has spread to the bones. For example, certain cancers, such as breast and prostate, are most likely to spread, or metastasize, to the bones. If metastases are found, periodic bone scans may be ordered to determine if therapeutic treatment has been effective.

If there is a suspected fracture that is not revealed on x ray, a bone scan is performed to confirm the suspicion of a fracture. When an abnormality is found on an x ray of a bone, a bone scan may be helpful in determining the nature of the abnormality. Infection in the bone (osteomyelitis) can be detected or confirmed by a bone scan, often days or weeks before an x ray would reveal it. Bone scans are useful in diagnosing early arthritic changes, and monitoring both the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. Unexplained pain may be evaluated with a bone scan, because it can demonstrate fractures which are difficult to detect on x ray. Bone scans can be used to see if artificial joints have loosened or become infected. Suspected child abuse may be evaluated with a bone scan, due to its ability to see an overall pattern of repeated trauma. Abnormalities caused by altered circulation to the bone may be diagnosed with a bone scan.

Precautions

The use of a radioactive substance is required to perform a bone scan, and therefore women who are pregnant should not have this test unless her physician indicates that the benefit will outweigh the risks. If a woman is breastfeeding, she will be advised to stop for a specified period of time, usually for one day, depending on the dose. A patient who is unable to remain still for an extended period of time may require light sedation for a bone scan.