What is a bone scan?

From the Guidelines

A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to evaluate bone health and detect abnormalities, and it is particularly useful for detecting conditions like bone cancer, metastases, fractures, infections, and inflammatory conditions before they might appear on regular X-rays. During the procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream, which accumulates in areas of bone with high metabolic activity. A special camera then captures images of your skeleton, highlighting areas where the tracer has concentrated. The procedure typically takes 3-4 hours total, as you must wait 2-3 hours after the injection for the tracer to circulate before imaging begins, though the actual scanning only takes about 30-60 minutes 1. The radiation exposure is minimal and temporary, with the tracer typically clearing from your body within 24-48 hours. Patients should drink plenty of fluids before and after the scan to help flush the tracer and should inform their doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or recent nuclear medicine tests, as these may affect the procedure or its interpretation. Some of the key points to consider when evaluating the use of bone scans include:

• The sensitivity of bone scans for detecting certain conditions, such as osteomyelitis or fractures, can be high, but may not be specific enough to differentiate between different types of conditions 1.
• Bone scans can be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities, such as MRI or CT scans, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of bone health 1.
• The use of bone scans may be limited in certain situations, such as in patients with certain types of cancer or in patients who have recently undergone surgery 1.
• Newer imaging modalities, such as PET/CT scans, may be more sensitive and specific than bone scans for detecting certain conditions, such as bone metastases 1. Overall, bone scans can be a useful diagnostic tool for evaluating bone health and detecting abnormalities, but should be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities and clinical evaluation to provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.

From the Research

What is a Bone Scan

• A bone scan is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the skeletal system for various conditions, including cancer, infections, and injuries 2, 3, 4, 5.
• It involves the use of a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical agent, which is administered to the patient before scanning, and areas of the body that might be damaged or under repair will absorb the agent 3.
• The test is sensitive but not specific, and therefore, it is essential to correlate the results with clinical, radiographic, biochemical, and scanning findings in each patient 2.

Applications of Bone Scans

• Bone scans are commonly used to diagnose and monitor various skeletal conditions, including:
  • Metastatic bone cancer 2, 3, 5
  • Bone infections, such as osteomyelitis 2, 6
  • Bone injuries, such as stress fractures and trauma 2, 3
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders 6
  • Facial fractures 6
• Bone scans can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor disease progression or regression 2, 5.

Procedure and Safety

• The bone scan procedure is noninvasive and generally has little to no adverse effects 3.
• Sedation is seldom necessary, except in cases of very young patients 2.
• The test is free from acute or long-term side effects, making it a safe diagnostic tool for patients 2.